'Strike moves closer' as bank redundancy talks break down 04/03/2010 - 14:37:28
Talks on redundancy deals for 750 Bank of Scotland (Ireland) workers have broken down with union leaders today warning industrial action has moved a step closer.
The management said it could not continue negotiations while facing a strike threat and asked mediators at the Labour Relations Commission to step in.
Bank of Scotland (Ireland) last month announced it was closing its 44 Halifax branches and laying off hundreds of staff.
Brian Gallagher, Unite regional officer, accused management of treating staff and customers with contempt.
“The contemptuous disregard they have shown for their workforce, and for the customers likely to be affected by industrial action, now sadly makes it more likely that such action will take place,” he said.
“Unite is available to enter discussions but must now prepare to act in as strong a fashion as is needed to make this major international bank treat its Irish workers with dignity.”
Bank officials said they called in mediators after being threatened with industrial action from next Tuesday.
The bank also claimed it had been preparing enhanced redundancy deals before the union served notice.
