Garda dispute over
Rank-and-file officers vote to accept pay deal proposals
Rank-and-file gardai have voted to accept pay deal recommendations offered by the Labour Court.
An overwhelming 75.2% majority of Garda Representative Association members backed the proposals.
It is estimated the deal will cost the Government around €50million.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the outcome of the ballot.
She said: “No one, be it the Government, gardai themselves or the public, wanted to see industrial action that would have damaged the hard-earned reputation of An Garda Siochana. The outcome is one which is in the best interests of An Garda Siochana and the community they serve so well.
“I want to thank all involved in the negotiations.”
The union’s Central Executive Committee will meet today to discuss the implications of the vote.
Last month the GRA and members of the Association Of Garda Sergeants And Inspectors threatened to withdraw from work over pay and conditions.
However, industrial action was called off after 11th-hour talks and intervention by the Labour Court.
Under the new proposals, gardai will have their rent allowance of €4,000 increased by €500 from January to allow for changes in the rental market. The allowance will also be restored for recent Garda recruits after it was abolished in the past number of years.
The payment will be added into the wages of all gardai resulting in an increase to money received for overtime and premium payments.
Pre-tour briefings – 15 minute handover periods between shifts – will also be introduced.
RTE reported gardai will receive €1,459 per year for these.
It was also recommended gardai should receive €15 for each day of annual leave as officers must attend court hearings at short notice even on days off. WHILE this foggy scene looks peaceful, it was hit and mist on the streets of Dubai below.
The thick cloud cover caused an Arabian fright for drivers as there were 107 crashes and 1,062 calls for assistance yesterday.