Garda pay dispute: New pre-shift payment offered

The Government is offering to pay gardaí extra money for periods of time before their shifts begin under measures designed to avert an unprecedented strike next week.

It is understood the offer centres on payment for a 15 minute period spent “on parade”, which is a largely historical practice of preparing for a new shift.

It was not clear last night if the payment would be for work that was already done and unpaid, or for extra work that would have be carried out.

Sources said no payments would be made where no work was done.

A move to introduce pay for previously unpaid hours will be watched carefully by other public sector unions who may push for similar treatment for their own members.

Government figures are adamant that any deal for gardaí will be within the confines of the existing Lansdowne Road agreement on public sector pay, which 20 other unions are signed up to.

It is understood an offer is being considered that would boost the pay for recently recruited gardai, as well as increasing the hourly rate - and potentially overtime payments - for all members of the force.

At the centre of the offer being discussed in recent days is the re-introduction of a €4,000 payment, the equivalent of a rent allowance, for recently recruited gardaí.

This payment would be converted into core pay for the gardaí concerned but it would also, have the knock on effect of increasing hourly rates and potentially increase overtime payments.

Negotiations between the Department of Justice and the Garda Representative Association (GRA) now have the involvement to Workplace Relations Commission for the first time.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) was also expected to be offered the services of the Workplace Relations Commission in its negotiations with the Department of Justice.

This development is viewed as positive step towards preventing an effective strike by the 10,000 strong by senior Government figures.

The possibility of money for previously unpaid hours was introduced as a new element in the talks in recent days.

Unpaid additional hours were introduced across the public service as part of productivity measures contained in agreements between unions and Government after the economic crash. They additional hours are a cause of significant anger across all groups.

Nurses are expected also to begin a campaign early next month against the extra one and half hours they work without pay every week.

Sources said the Government's aim is to win over the Garda Representative Association (GRA) in order to prevent Friday's threatened all out strike.

Both the GRA and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) are threatening to withdraw their labour this coming Friday.

The aim has been, however, on securing the support of the 10,000 strong GRA above AGSI, which has around 2,000 members. The total strength of the force is over 13,000 and Government sources said securing GRA support for a new deal is crucial to halting a possible strike.

Ministers and Government figures believe contingency plans in place are not adequate to police the State and also fear the damage an effective all out police strike would have on Ireland’s reputation.

The GRA yesterday began a series of informal briefings around the country so gardaí, could seek clarity from their local representative on any aspect of the withdrawal of service.

These were being organised by word of mount in order to frustrate any effort to prosecute or discipline those involved.

The GRA executive was fearful if email, social media or texting was used to organise the briefings, those sending the messages may be open to the charge of inducing Garda members to withdraw their service.