Gardaí engage in ‘work to rule’ action over cuts
The action, which began yesterday, is being described as a “withdrawal of goodwill” by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) rather than industrial action, which is illegal for members of the force to undertake.
The activity, which is widely being described as a ‘work to rule’ protest, is the first action of its kind in the history of the force.
Despite gardaí often relying on their personal equipment to assist their work, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said he did not expect any deterioration in the service provided by the force in light of the action.
GRA vice president Damien McCarthy said; “Gardaí will also be requiring the relevant summons when attending court cases.
“All we are doing is fully complying with due process. What the minister fails to realise is that it was the guards demonstrating a great deal of flexibility all along during the course of our duties. This didn’t bother the minister because he was getting it for free,” he added.
GRA members had already informed their superior officers in writing of the action, which they say is the first stage in the response to the pay cuts and levy.
Last December, the GRA agreed to survey its members on protesting about the reduction in their pay. Some 93% of respondents backed protests that stopped short of a withdrawal of service.
GRA Representatives have been attending discussions on pay facilitated by Labour Relations Commission boss Kieran Mulvey.
Under the Garda Siochána Act 2005 it is a criminal offence for a member of the force to withdraw their labour or to induce anybody to withdraw their labour.
On conviction the offence carries a penalty of up to five years in jail and/or a fine of up to €50,000.
Gardaí are also banned from joining a trade union.
Mr McCarthy said the “withdrawal of goodwill” will continue until the Government reverses the pay cuts.
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