AGSI conference: Gardai to risk breaking law with strike action

Mid-ranking gardaí will risk breaking the law by considering strike action in a serious ratcheting up of their industrial relations dispute.

In an unprecedented move, the traditionally conservative Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) warned that the “battle lines are drawn”. Association general secretary John Jacob said members felt they had been “left with no option”, given disputes over the last five years regarding restoration of pay and negotiation rights.

He said this was in addition to increasing workloads, the daily risk of assault, and the toll on their mental health, with six members taking their own lives within the last year.