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The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has expressed grave disappointment at the findings of the Benchmarking Report published today.
It is abundantly clear that Benchmarking was merely an illusionary exercise to retain a semblance of industrial harmony at a time when politicians, senior civil servants and the heads of
state commercial bodies awarded themselves exorbitant pay increases while remaining outside of the Benchmarking process.
The entire public service has been conned.
We patiently waited for the results, in the belief and expectation that our members would be remunerated for their flexibility and resilience while undergoing significant changes to
their working structures and conditions. They have not been rewarded for the efficiency with which they have adapted to these changes and for the extra workload they have been exposed to.
It is now time for the greater trade union movement and all public sector employees to resist the changes relating to improved efficiency and effectiveness that have not been paid for in
the normal national wage increases. This Association will be very carefully analysing its position regarding Towards 2016 and its successor over the next few weeks.
Our members will no longer tolerate their exclusion from the formulation of national wage agreements. The Benchmarking diversion clearly failed to grasp the significant changes to the
Garda organisation as a result of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 – and more especially the increased responsibilities and workload placed daily on members of Garda rank.
GRA General Secretary PJ Stone said, “This whole charade failed to take into account the increasing dangers our members have to face daily. There is a real increase in the risk of
major injury and even death. One of our members was shot on the streets less than three months ago; others have been stabbed since then.
“Our members have demonstrated their goodwill and increased productivity at a time when they have so obviously been understaffed and facing increased threats from violent
criminals. It is a betrayal of our loyalty.”
Ends
Garda Representative Association 5th Floor, Phibsboro Tower, Dublin 7
Ph: 01 830 3533 Fax: 01 830 3331
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