Gardaí won’t discuss deal if pay cuts on table

Rank-and-file gardaí have joined with sergeants and inspectors in withdrawing from talks on a new Croke Park agreement.

After lengthy discussions the executive of the Garda Representative Association confirmed it was not prepared to stay in discussions with the Government while pay cuts remained on the table.

It said it would only re-enter talks if the Government produces revised proposals and cost-saving measures “that do not impact on pay or hours worked”.

“The Government has presented a briefing document of cost-cutting measures and changes to working practices that includes pay cuts,” said GRA president John Parker. “The central executive committee of the GRA has rejected all such proposals that include a cut in Garda wages, and will not participate in any process that proposes such cuts.”

Of the €1bn in savings being sought through a new Croke Park deal over the next three years, the Government is demanding €60m in cuts to the public service pay bill. It wants the bulk of that money to come from reductions in overtime payments, cuts to premium payments and through officers working longer.

Mr Parker said Garda pay was protected under the existing Croke Park Agreement, which his members had honoured “in full”.

“Any attempt to renege on this will be challenged,” he said. “Gardaí are facing great financial hardship while continuing to provide great dedication and commitment to the community. Our members cannot pay their loans and mortgages. Pay cuts are not an option.”

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors withdrew from the talks almost two weeks ago and yesterday its general secretary John Redmond reiterated it would not be returning to discussions while pay cuts remained on the Government’s menu of savings demands.

Gardaí are prohibited from engaging in industrial action. However, officers are expected to be vocal participants in the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ anti-austerity march on Saturday.

Gardaí, along with nurses and prison officers, make up the 24/7 Frontline Alliance.

“All of these payments form a significant part of the earnings of 24/7 frontline staff reflecting the unsocial nature of the work as they provide around the clock service 365 days a year,” they say. “Furthermore it is the view of the Alliance that in addition to the pension related levy and the pay cut, which has applied across the public services, grades in the frontline have seen massive reductions in numbers, changes in rosters and closures and reconfiguration of wards in hospitals. These revised work practices have also impacted on the earnings of the frontline workforce.”

The alliance is due to meet again tomorrow.