GRA rows back on strike ballot plans

Garda rank and file leaders have sent a questionnaire to the 11,600 members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to find out their views on taking part in public sector industrial action over pay cuts.

This survey was proposed after the leadership of the Garda Representative Association scrapped plans to hold a ballot.

The Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner publicly came out in opposition to the force being involved with trade union strike action.

GRA General Secretary PJ Stone said, “Our members have had their pay reduced by five successive measures in the past year, causing unprecedented levels of anger and despair. Our members are working harder than ever to face down increasing crime with reduced garda numbers.

“We are all collectively aware of the poor state of the economy, but we are seeing rising levels of resentment that garda pay is disproportionately cut to pay for the unregulated greed of others overseen by this very same government.”

Meanwhile lower paid civil servants have been given the go-ahead from unions to take part in industrial action from today.

The CPSU has given branches the power to select from a menu of actions in protest at pay cuts, including work to rule and refusal to answer the phones.

Commuters also face disruption as drivers are also expected to back industrial action. SIPTU will count votes today following a ballot of its drivers.

The Government has warned that such action will simply cause disruption to services as well as damage our international reputation, while unions insist Budget 2010 plans must be reversed.