AGSI Media Statement
9th October 2014
“Trade union rights are democratic rights and it’s not about striking”
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has welcomed a decision by the EU Council of Ministers to uphold a decision last May by the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) in a case taken by the association in June 2012.
The ruling states that Gardaí should be permitted to negotiate their own pay and engage in strike action.
General Secretary of the AGSI John Redmond says, “We are extremely pleased with the decision to uphold our successful complaint which essentially gives our members and indeed all members of An Garda Síochána direct negotiating rights in relation to their own pay and conditions.
“While the media headlines continuously refer to the right to strike, let me make it clear – we are not interested in striking and this was never the motivation for our complaint. We feel very strongly that our members should have the fundamental right, like other public sector workers, to have direct negotiation rights with government on their pay and conditions and our successful case to the Council of Europe has broken new ground for Garda members for generations to come.”
Mr. Redmond also called on government to respond appropriately to today’s decision and to “once and for all accept that members of AGSI and An Garda Síochána are as deserving of representation as all other public sector workers.”
ENDS
