The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has described as “historic”, the outcome of direct negotiations it had with the Labour Relations Commission.
Speaking following a meeting with the National Executive to discuss the proposed An Garda Síochána Sectoral Agreement 2013 – 2015, General Secretary John Redmond says, “The outcome of direct negotiations can be described as both positive and historic. It was always our position, since early discussions on Croke Park II that we should have the opportunity to negotiate directly on behalf of our members. And this did happen earlier this week for the first time in our 35-year history.
“We are satisfied that this approach will help to see a positive response from the AGSI membership. The National Executive met today and we will be balloting the membership in the next couple of weeks on the Sectoral Agreement.”
AGSI say the core commitments they had always looked for from Garda Management and Government have now been accepted, mainly:
1. That the talks would not be carried out in any parallel fashion, and that they would be direct negotiations on behalf of AGSI;
2. That the Association would not under any circumstances negotiate a reduction in Pay;
3. That the Association would not under any circumstances negotiate a reduction in allowances.
The AGSI negotiating team is made up of John Redmond, General Secretary; John Jacob, Deputy General Secretary; Tim Galvin President; Antoinette Cunningham, Vice President and Mary Finnegan, Honorary Secretary.
AGSI also welcomed the review of An Garda Síochána as laid out in the Agreement and said it looked forward to continuing to “play a pivotal role” in effecting positive change in policing in Ireland.
John Redmond concluded, “We would like to acknowledge the time given to us by Kieran Mulvey and Anna Perry from the LRC and for taking on board the concerns and counter proposals offered by AGSI.
“We have always maintained that we have played our part and will continue to play our part in helping reshape this country and improving service delivery for the people.
