Labour Court sends National Gallery security staffing dispute back to conciliation

The Labour Court recommended that the National Gallery Of Ireland and 61 Security Officers, represented by SIPTU, return to conciliation over security staffing levels. The recommendation was signed on 8 July 2026. The union said a 2017 agreement provided for 67 attendant grade security staff, but the Gallery had reduced the number to 63. The Gallery said the reduction followed operational changes and consultation with the union. The Court found substantial disagreement over fundamental facts and considered the referral premature, recommending that the parties seek common ground with the Conciliation Service. Labour Court recommendations under the Industrial Relations Act are not binding.