AIB staff begin vote on hybrid working change

"Staff will ballot on changes to the bank's original proposals that mean staff must be based in the office three days a week. Changes to the proposals include an agreement that staff could work from a remote working hub on one of the three mandatory office days. The agreement document also offers assurances that the bank will review and consider employees' pre-existing working arrangements and offer flexibilities when needed."

"In the document, AIB acknowledges that the union has legitimate concerns about the proposed use of individual attendance monitoring, and aims not to identify staff. The union had accused the bank of unilaterally announcing changes to its hybrid working model in July. A union spokesperson said the new set of principles were produced following intensive negotiations between management and union officials."

"John O'Connell, general secretary of the FSU, said the union asked its AIB members if they agree with the proposed new hybrid working principles in the ballot. "If our members vote yes, the new hybrid working principles will come into effect on January 1, 2026," he said. He said the union will refer the dispute to the Workplace Relations Commission if members vote against the new proposals."

A ballot of bank staff opened for approval of negotiated hybrid working principles requiring staff to be office-based three days each week. Staff could use a remote working hub for one of the three mandatory office days, subject to manager agreement. The bank will review pre-existing working arrangements and offer flexibility when needed. AIB acknowledges legitimate concerns about proposed individual attendance monitoring and aims not to identify staff. If members vote yes, the principles will take effect on January 1, 2026. If members vote no, the union will refer the dispute to the Workplace Relations Commission.

Read at Irish Independent