Gardaí call for 'Gender Identity in the Workplace' policy to be withdrawn

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has requested that the Garda Commissioner withdraw directives to Garda members regarding gender identity in the workplace. It also requires adherence to the established industrial relations process for the Garda roster.

The AGSI has urged the Commissioner to follow the established process of working relations to resolve Garda disputes in order for the conference to run smoothly today, April 3rd. His decision to refer the roster issue to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has been heavily criticised.

140 Garda sergeants and inspectors are meeting in Galway today for the annual conference to discuss current motions. The agenda also includes rosters, gender identity, and a social media post by a Sinn Féin TD, in addition to the 24 motions.

We are finalising arrangements for our 45th Annual Delegate Conference which takes place over three days - Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday - next week in @salthillhotel. Top of the agenda is the Garda roster. #AGSI23 @antoabs pic.twitter.com/uQU501qBoN

— AGSI (@AGSI_Ireland) March 31, 2023

The sergeants and inspectors are calling for the withdrawal of the recent directive on gender identity in the workplace, which was implemented without consultation or training. The directive is about the rights of people who are undergoing gender reassignment.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has stated that gardai who intentionally address people with the wrong gender may face disciplinary action.

The policy document entitled Gender Identity in the Workplace was published by the police in February. It states that compliance is mandatory for all members and employees of An Garda Sochána.

General secretary Antoinette Cunningham said: "AGSI have raised serious concerns with the internal consultation process and will be seeking the formal withdrawal of the recent directive on Gender Identity in the Workplace, owing to the lack of consultation in light of the recent comments by the Garda Commissioner that mis-gendering of a person could lead to discipline."

"The Association is acutely aware of the rights of people to transition and be supported in doing so by workplace colleagues," Ms Cunningham added.

This is the Directive from An Garda Síochána to members concerning Gender Identity in the Workplace, in case anyone is wondering what the Assoc of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors is objecting to - literally a few bullet points about dignity & human rights:https://t.co/22XsEkuFFO

— Joan (@clicky_here) April 3, 2023

The AGSI has strongly criticised Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin for posting an image of a famine eviction on social media, which had been reworked to include private security officers and garda.

Since attacks on gardaí are increasing, Minister for Justice Simon Harris will tell the conference that this post is "particularly dangerous" because it "increases the risk of aggression" towards gardaí.

The Gardaí are already involved in political controversies- water charges, overseeing evictions, shell oil, debenhams workers and other labour disputes, fining anti-GBV activists

We need to criticise the garda effort to cut across the needs of working-class ppl, not back track! https://t.co/2yYewWsRGy

— Lee 🏳️‍⚧️ (@LeahWhelan_Cllr) April 3, 2023

In an interview with RTÉ's  Morning Ireland, General Secretary Antoinette Cunningham described the tweet as "deeply offensive and wholly inappropriate." She also said the AGSI will ask the Commissioner to re-clarify the role that gardai play at eviction so that members can be "very clear" in their role.

Very positive phone conversation with @antoabs of @AGSI_Ireland today

I stressed it was not my intention to offend, criticise or drag An Garda Síochána into a political controversy

My intention was solely to highlight the issue of homelessness/evictions & criticise Govt policy

— Eoin Ó Broin (@EOBroin) April 3, 2023

After receiving much criticism for his post, Eoin Ó Broin has shared a follow up statement in regards his tweet. After speaking to AGSI members Ó Broin shared: "I stressed it was not my intention to offend, criticise or drag An Garda Síochána into a political controversy."

He added that his "intention was solely to highlight the issue of homelessness/evictions & criticise Govt policy."

Antoinette Cunningham responded by saying that Ó Broin‘s statement was important and welcomed clarity. She further said that the statement "will be communicated to our AGSI members in my address to them tomorrow."

Important and welcome clarity from @EOBroin this afternoon which will be communicated to our @AGSI_Ireland members in my address to them tomorrow. https://t.co/y31kXtHY4Z

— antoinette (@antoabs) April 3, 2023