Agreement to Attend WRC FSU Lifts Directive to Clear Way for Talks - BOI Group BOI 30/25

BOI 30/25

Nearly three weeks ago, the FSU referred the hybrid working dispute to the WRC. Since then, we have engaged in intensive conversations with the WRC officer, and today we can share a significant development: Bank of Ireland has agreed to attend conciliation at the WRC.

The bank’s concession to engage in conciliation is contingent on us lifting our directive – a move we are making to take us one step closer to reaching a credible agreement.

Both the FSU and the bank have agreed to these talks without setting any preconditions to the outcome, which is a significant change to the bank’s earlier stance.

We believe conciliation at the WRC is the best opportunity to resolve the many concerns our members have raised.

We are lifting our directive to clear the way for these talks – because it gives us the power to bring the bank to the table.

I want to thank and commend you all for standing behind the directive and supporting our union. Your unity and support for the directive made the bank listen.

Our aim remains to reach a credible agreement on the terms of hybrid work, which we will ballot with our members.

We understand this is a stressful time for members, and we want to make ourselves available to support and give advice.

Members’ meeting

We will hold a members’ meeting tomorrow, Friday the 5^th September, at 10am to talk through this update and answer questions.

Please click here to register for the meeting.

Special Advice Centre line

We will be operating a special Advice Centre line all next week, where you can speak directly to an FSU staff member. You can also contact your Sector Committee rep using the details below my signature.

Call our freephone numbers on

ROI 1800 81 91 91

NI 0800 358 00 71

What if I can’t attend the office?

We have asked the bank not to put staff under any pressure while the WRC conciliation process is ongoing.

The bank has committed to us that it will support staff who want exceptions or a longer lead-in time. We advise ALL members to request either an exception or a grace period who want it.

The bank has agreed with us that for anyone who has raised an appeal, their current working arrangements will remain until a decision is made.

There are many reasons you may need an exception or grace period, such as living a long distance to your base/hub, having caring responsibilities, work/life balance, or medical reasons. If you want support with your application, contact your Sector Committee rep. If you were denied and want to appeal, contact your Sector Committee rep.

Have you taken our yes/no survey?

If you have not taken our yes/no survey to indicate whether you have hybrid work arrangements, please click here to fill it in now. We will be balloting members and need a full and accurate list of our hybrid constituency.

Caitleen Desetti

Industrial Relations Organiser

BOI Sector Committee: