Bank of Ireland need to pause any implementation of their new protocols on hybrid working until full agreement is reached with the FSU

September start date cannot be accepted says FSU

The Financial Services Union (FSU) have described their engagement with Bank of Ireland (BOI) on the banks unilateral decision to change their hybrid model of working as “difficult and highly charged”.

Bank of Ireland recently  announced a change to their hybrid model of working that will mandate staff who are currently working 90% remote to return to the office a minimum of eight days a month with a start date for implementation of September 1^st.

Commenting on the meeting Caitleen Desetti, Industrial Relations Organiser with the FSU said.

“The response from our members has been overwhelming. Eighty percent say 8 days a month is too many days in person compared to the current arrangement, while a further seventy four percent say that September is too soon, and a longer lead-in time is needed.

People have built their lives around the promise that they would remain 90% remote. We have members being told they have to travel from Kerry to Dublin, or Cavan to Kilkenny, twice a week. We have members being told they are not allowed to take annual leave on a Thursday anymore because they are required in the office. In essence, they are being forced to choose between relocating to Dublin or finding a new job.

We have just commenced negotiations with the Bank, providing them significant feedback from our Union survey, and we will continue these discussions.

In the first instance BOI need to reflect on what their staff are saying and reduce the number of days required in-person per month and postpone the start date of 1^st September. The Bank needs to exhaust negotiation procedures before implementing changes.”

ENDS