FSU refer Bank of Ireland hybrid working changes to WRC

BOI intransience has forced FSU to utilise industrial relations mechanisms of the state says FSU

The Financial Services Union (FSU) have today referred the proposed changes unilaterally made by Bank of Ireland (BOI) to their hybrid working model to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for adjudication.

Commenting,  John O’Connell, General Secretary of the FSU said:

“The FSU have been left with no option but to refer this matter to the WRC.

We have given BOI every opportunity to hold meaningful negotiations with the FSU on their proposed changes to their hybrid working model. Despite some progress been made the bank have refused to engage on the main issues of concern and continue to knowingly repeat their false claims about the FSU negotiation rights on this issue.

No data was produced to validate the change; no calculation was made as to the level of distress that may be caused to staff and importantly no heed has been taken of the huge numbers of staff who have said they will consider changing jobs due to this change.

Staff feel, frustrated, angry and ignored by senior management.

The intransigence of BOI, their continued refusal to listen to the concerns of their staff and their misleading comments about negotiation rights is a worrying and disturbing development which has echoes of past times when poor culture and decision making had enormous consequences for staff, business, and consumers.

We have written to the Irish Banking Culture Board (IBCB) as we feel the recent behavior of BOI falls under their remit and deserves their attention.

The IBCB was established as an independent body to promote a culture of tolerance, a culture of transparency in decision making, a culture of support for staff working in the banks and importantly to hold the banks to account when they fail to live up to the required standards. It is important the IBCB are seen and heard on this issue.

We look forward to attending the WRC, representing our members’ interest, and validating our negotiation rights. We have directed our members in BOI to continue with their current working practices until otherwise advised by the FSU.”

ENDS