Rank-and-file Gardaí have voted to strike on November 10th as work disputes with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris deepen.

In a Garda Representative Association Special Delegates Conference today, it was “overwhelmingly agreed” that Gardaí take industrial action due to conflicts over new rosters. 

Gardaí voted to refuse to work voluntary overtime on October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st.  

They also voted to go on a full strike on November 10th if there is no change in Mr Harris’ decision to revert to the ‘Westmanstown Roster’. 

Rank-and-file Gardaí currently work on four-days-on, four-days-off roster, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Mr Harris has previously said he will introduce a new six-days-on, four-days-off roster in November, which was met with intense criticism. 

The GRA conference also agreed to continue working on the four-on four-off roster despite the changes. 

A statement from the GRA said it has “tried to get the attention of the Commissioner and impress on him the many concerns affecting his own work force”. 

“However, what we have been met with is blind inaction and a dogged single-minded approach to the rosters situation which has strengthened our resolve and reiterates our lack of confidence in the Commissioner’s leadership,” it said. 

Some 98.7% of rank-and-file Gardaí voted in favour of a no-confidence motion in Mr Harris on September 13th.