Members of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) have voted overwhelmingly to reject a new Garda travel and subsistence scheme.
Of the valid votes cast, 88.7% were against the proposed system.
It followed more than six years of negotiations and engagement between AGSI and Garda management, including discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
The AGSI said it accepted the scheme when it was published, on the understanding that it reflected the agreements reached during the WRC process.
“However, serious concerns subsequently arose regarding management’s interpretation and proposed implementation of the scheme,” the association said.
The AGSI added that, in its view, aspects of the approach moved away from what had been agreed during the WRC process.
The National Executive of the association determined that the members directly affected should decide whether the scheme, as published and interpreted by management, should be accepted.
“This result is not a rejection of the need for a fair and modern travel and subsistence scheme,” said AGSI General Secretary Ronan Clogher.
“It reflects the serious concerns of our members about how this scheme is being interpreted and implemented,” Mr Clogher said.
The AGSI said it will convene a Special Delegate Conference on Monday 5 October which will consider the implications of the result and determine AGSI’s response and next steps.
The Garda Press Office has been contacted for comment.