Union Update - UB 08/26 - Ulster Bank Northern Ireland

UB 08/26

UNION UPDATE

Please share this communication with your team, especially those not yet in the union, and encourage them to join us here https://www.fsunion.org/join/

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, we want to share significant progress on the issues that matter most to you and outline our priorities for the months ahead.

SO FAR IN 2026

Branch Network Review Paused Until 2029

Following sustained pressure, the Bank has agreed to halt any further reviews of the branch network for the next three years. This gives our members job security and stability in their locations.

Pay Increases Secured for 2026

We successfully negotiated meaningful pay rises for this year, reflecting your hard work and the rising cost of living. This was not given lightly; it was won through collective strength.

Support for Members Through Restructures

Throughout recent business restructures, we have been at the table ensuring fair treatment, redeployment options, and redundancy terms for affected members. Your reps have provided one-to-one support and representation to members who needed it every step of the way.

Individual Support

Our reps have continued to provide dedicated, confidential support on individual workplace issues, achieving positive outcomes for many members.

These outcomes show that collective action works. But there is much more to do.

WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON NOW

Pension Cap Ulster Bank (NI) Pension Scheme – Legal Advice Update

The pension cap issue remains ongoing. The Bank has not shared its internal legal advice with us. Given this, the FSU has decided to seek our own independent legal advice based on the information already in our possession. We expect to revert to members with a clear position shortly. Please be patient.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Working Through the Detail

We are in discussions with the Bank to engage with us on an AI policy. We have stressed the critical importance of having a formal AI Agreement in place with a human centric approach to protect your roles into the future. We will keep you updated as negotiations progress.

Probation Period – Mixed Picture

The Bank has now introduced probation periods for all grades. Previously A Grades were the only grade with a prescribed probation period. The Bank has reduced the probation period from 6 months to 5 months. The FSU has formally flagged to the Bank our concerns regarding this reduction and are considering the need to take legal advice in relation to it. We see no positive business case for shortening the assessment window.

However, we do welcome the new, clearer process for managers dealing with probationary employees. This is an improvement in procedural fairness and one that is a positive move for members.

Part-Time Workers & Overtime – Seeking alignment with ECJ Ruling

Following the recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling on overtime payments required for any hours worked over contracted hours for part-time workers, FSU are actively seeking to have this implemented in all FSU organised employments. We have also approached employments in Northern Ireland seeking implementation regardless of whether the Windsor Framework covers ECJ rulings as we believe fair pay for every hour worked is non-negotiable.

Beyond Performance – Target Concerns

We have received multiple reports that numerical targets are creeping back into business units and branches. This contradicts the Bank's own public messaging on the Beyond performance structure. We have formally challenged this mixed messaging and demanded clarity. To remain in line with agreed measurements in Beyond linking members performance to pay, it is vital that members understand how their performance is being measured and that it remains within the agreed principles of Beyond.

Cost of Living – Ongoing Campaign

We have reached out to the Bank to express members’ deep concerns and are actively seeking further supports. This remains a core focus, and a standing item at all our meetings.

Family Friendly Policies – Under Review

We intend to review Ulster Bank’s family friendly policies and assess if any upgrades are needed to keep pace with other FSU-organised employments. Ulster Bank has been leading the way in some areas with their policy support for staff, but modern workplaces must support modern families, and it is always positive to reassess and review.

LOOKING AHEAD – PAY 2027

Pay 2027 negotiations will be upon us soon, and your voice is critical. We will be launching a Pay Survey and holding Rep Workshops in the autumn. Please watch out for communications and get involved. The stronger our feedback, the stronger our case.

Please share this communication with your team, especially those not yet in the union, and encourage them to join us here https://www.fsunion.org/join/

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your Sector Committee or local Area Co-Ordinator. Details below:

Ulster Bank Sector Committee Members

Ulster Bank Area Co-ordinators

Mandy La Combre

Senior Industrial relations Officer