Garda Civilian Staff to Ballot for Industrial Action Over Post Advertisements
An Garda Síochána civilian staff, represented by AHCPS, will ballot for industrial action over a dispute concerning the advertisement of Principal Officer roles. The union claims An Garda Síochána has not filled one in three internal posts since 2019, despite ongoing negotiations. This could lead to a work-to-rule by AHCPS members.
Civilian staff in An Garda Síochána, represented by the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS), will ballot for industrial action. This dispute stems from the advertisement of Principal Officer level roles, where the AHCPS alleges An Garda Síochána has not adhered to the rule requiring one in three such posts to be filled internally since 2019.
The union states that while garda civilian staff are transitioning from civil service to direct employment as public servants under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, this redesignation is not yet implemented. Ciaran Rohan, AHCPS General Secretary, noted the dispute has been ongoing since 2019, with An Garda Síochána proceeding with external appointments despite unresolved issues. The ballot will occur in the coming weeks, potentially leading to a work-to-rule by AHCPS members.