Bank jobs safe until new year, says union
The future of hundreds of jobs at National Irish and Northern Bank has been guaranteed until the new year, union leaders revealed today.
Larry Broderick, general secretary of finance union IBOA, said senior management at parent company National Australia Group assured him no decision had been made on closing branches or staff redundancies.
“IBOA believe it is vitally important the issue of the bank’s future ownership is sorted once and for all and as soon as possible, as it is extremely difficult and traumatic for staff to work in an environment clouded with such uncertainty,” Mr Broderick said.
Rumours of widespread closures and job losses at the bank were rife throughout the industry over the last number of days.
National Irish has also been dogged by the threat of a sell-off after a High Court Inspectors’ report in July found the bank overcharged customers and facilitated tax evasion.
Mr Broderick said senior management felt it would be January before a decision on the future of the bank could be made.
Plans for proposed changes in Business Financial and Personal Financial Services were outlined but will only be implemented following consultation and agreement with the union.
Mr Broderick said he hoped the move would ease workers’ fears over job losses.
“IBOA will be communicating with our members in both banks today and hope the clarifications and assurances received from Mr Price will at least bring some temporary respite for worried staff and customers.”
The union boss added they would continue to make representations to potential bidders and decision-makers to ensure staff’s jobs, terms and conditions are protected.
A follow-up meeting between union bosses and management will be held in the coming weeks.
