MEMO TO BRANCH SECRETARIES 22nd April
As you will be aware from our Annual Delegate Conference AGSI committed to a number of actions in pursuit of pay restoration and the removal of the threat of the proposed Increment Freeze.
As part of our campaign we committed to a march on the Dáil on the first day the new government sits. AGSI would prefer not to have to march in protest for pay restoration; however the absence of meaningful engagement and progress towards restoration leaves us with no choice.
As I write I do not know when precisely the march will take place. However, as an Association we must prepare to act quickly if a government is formed and a date for the first sitting announced.
The National Executive met yesterday and have decided as follows:
(1) The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors will march on the first day of the new Dáil.
(2) We will not march in uniform on this occasion but we are asking all members to wear an item of blue clothing; for instance a blue top or jacket
(3) We will assemble on Castle Street, (Beside Dublin Castle) at 11 am. We will March on the Dáil to arrive around 12 midday. We will remain in the precinct of the Dáil until 2 pm.
It is critical you as branch secretary encourage as many branch members as possible to support this march. A strong turnout is needed to send a clear signal to Government that we are united, committed and intent on following through on our campaign.
We are inviting members to bring their families and friends if they are available to support the protest. I will be inviting Garda members to join our march if they wish. I am also extending an invitation to the Retired Members and their families to support this march as well. I am happy we have a lot of public support and we must capitalise on this support now.
As branch secretary your support in organising your members is essential if this initial action is to be successful. The National Executive will provide a stipend of €30 for each member who attends to offset some of their costs. We anticipate that members may wish to travel by car rather than by bus and if they do they should note that there is no parking available within the city other than off street car parks which can be expensive. Members travelling may need to park away from the assembly point and commute in on public transport.
Your National Executive member will be in touch shortly and can answer any questions you may have or support you in whatever way they can.
Please remember a strong show of strength is essential and you as branch secretary have a most important role in rallying numbers and getting people to attend. Members who are attending should be on rest days, annual leave or TOIL. Please remind your colleagues who are attending that it is essential they are not on duty. I anticipate this will be closely monitored by Garda management.
If there is a good turnout at this march it will give the campaign the kick start it needs. A poor turnout will signal to Government that we are not committed. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of a large turnout. A strong showing will strengthen the National Executive’s hand when meeting our new Minister and Government representatives.
I look forward to meeting as many of your branch as possible on the day.
I will be in touch again once a date for the first sitting of the Dáil is announced.
John Jacob, General Secretary.
