Updated: 11:05
MEMBERS OF THE Garda Representative Association (GRA) are today ‘turning off the goodwill tap’ in protest at proposed cuts to their pay. The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has now said that its members will also ‘work to rule’, starting today.
This will involve gardaí refusing to use their personal mobile phones, computer equipment and vehicles and strictly following health and safety procedure which will see them decline to drive patrol cars that do not meet the criteria. It also involves withdrawing consent to be available for non-public duty.
The AGSI said the joint campaign with colleagues from the Garda Representative Association was agreed at a meeting this week between both national executives.
Vice-President of the AGSI Padraic Dolan said opposition to proposed pay cuts is growing among his members.
“We agreed a plan in conjunction with our GRA colleagues and this will be fully implemented over the coming days,” he said. “We are also planning further action with our colleagues in the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance.”
Speaking to TheJournal.ie from the GRA’s protest outside the venue for the Croke Park Agreement talks, President of the association, John Parker said this was just the first round of action.
“We have a huge menu of other options,” Parker said. “This is just to introduce the ones that cause the least possible disruption and let people know what gardaí have been giving without getting any recognition for it.”
The government is looking to make savings of €60 million in the garda pay bill over the next three years, targeting overtime pay and allowances as well as seeking to extend the working day.
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