The Financial Services Union (FSU) has today challenged the Bank of Ireland’s plan to close over 20% of its branch network across Northern Ireland and make 54 staff redundant.
The Bank is proposing to close eight branches in total, removing its High Street presence in towns such as Maghera and Draperstown in Co Derry.
FSU General Secretary, Larry Broderick, said the decision was “no only regrettable, but irresponsible given the impact it will have on customers and staff.”
He added: “Given that Bank of Ireland is expected to announce significant profits at the end of the month, this announcement is a kick in the teeth for both customers and staff in Northern Ireland who supported the Bank during the financial crisis.”
Stating the FSU would commence negotiations with the Bank tomorrow, Mr Broderick concluded: “The FSU will be challenging the Bank’s plans and, although the Bank has confirmed that all redundancies will be voluntary, the Union calls on politicians to support its campaign to challenge this decision in the interest of all stakeholders and the wider Northern Ireland economy.”
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