Gardaí ‘will protest’ if pay or allowances are reduced

The body representing middle-ranking gardaí has warned its members will mount protests if there is any attempt to cut their pay or allowances as part of Croke Park II.

While the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors ruled out a widespread “blue flu” or mass sick leave in the event of reductions in their allowances or wages — under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 balloting gardaí on industrial action is illegal — it said it was prepared to engage in protests to demonstrate the frustration levels among its members.

ASGI general secretary John Redmond said that members were “besides themselves with anger” and insisted they would not accept any new measures which facilitate cuts in overtime, allowances, or other payments.