IBOA in crunch talks with banks

THE union representing staff at National Irish Bank (NIB) and Northern Bank will hold crunch talks with management today to find out more about plans to sell both banks.

The Irish Bank Official’s Association (IBOA) said its members had been treated deplorably and wanted clarification on the their futures. National Australia Bank (NAB), which owns both banks, is in the process of seeking a buyer for its Irish operations.

“IBOA members are appalled at the manner in which the proposed sale of their bank is being managed,” said IBOA general secretary Larry Broderick.

Mr Broderick said staff did not know whether either bank would be sold, downsized or closed down and that customers were regularly asking staff in branches whether the banks would exist beyond the next six months. “Senior management need to take control of the situation and issue a definitive clarification as to what exactly their plans are,” said Mr Broderick.

“Stories circulating about branch closures and job losses do nothing but sap the morale of staff and customers and, in the medium to long term, will cause irrevocable damage to the business.”

NIB chief executive Don Price will head the bank’s team at the talks.