Gardaí Launch Work-to-Rule Action During EU Presidency Meetings
An Garda Síochána members will engage in work-to-rule industrial action from November 10 to 14 over working conditions and overtime disputes.
Rank-and-file members of An Garda Síochána will conduct five days of work-to-rule industrial action from November 10 to November 14, 2026. Organized by the Garda Representative Association (GRA), the action coincides with high-profile EU Presidency meetings in Dublin, including the European Political Convention on November 12 and an informal meeting of EU heads of state on November 13.
Justin Kelly, the Garda Commissioner, announced that overtime will be reduced following the completion of upcoming major events. He attributed the recent surge in long hours to the EU Presidency, large-scale investigations, and a visit from US President Donald Trump. However, he argued that the industrial action represents only a minority of the organization's sworn members.
The GRA alleges that management breached the Working Time Agreement and the European Working Time Directive, with General Secretary Ronan Slevin claiming some members worked up to 16 hours a day for four consecutive days. As part of the action, officers in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and Shannon are instructed to report to home stations for transport and avoid using private vehicles for commutes exceeding 100km.
Tánaiste Simon Harris stated that Ireland maintains the capability to protect European leaders during the summits despite the dispute. The GRA Executive is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss further escalation, which could include a total withdrawal of services.
