In 1991, the Labour Court recommended two-person crews for Radio Telefis Eireann single-camera operations, with safety limits on equipment, training and grading provisions. The recommendation was signed on 11 November 1991.
The Court proposed increasing from three to four the sound-and-lighting posts open to technical operators to address potential career disadvantages for Electrical Trades Union members. It also recommended accepting RTÉ's grading offer, with Grade C sound-and-lighting operators who completed camera training to be placed on Grade B without the offer's additional conditions.
The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union argued that the new arrangements added technical duties and responsibilities, while the Electrical Trades Union raised concerns about safety, reduced electrician numbers and career prospects. RTÉ said the changes reflected technological developments and existing agreements and offered training and career opportunities.
The Court considered that limits on the equipment handled by reduced crews adequately addressed safety concerns and found no reason for delay on that issue. It rejected the unions' claim for additional payments and recommended immediate talks on lump sums for staff affected by the changes, with a further hearing available if the issue remained unsettled within four weeks.