Bank of Ireland condemns Amicus strike plan

Bank of Ireland has condemned the announcement by Amicus that they are considering industrial action following a vote amongst their 400 members in the bank.

Five hundred members of the Amicus trade union have voted to take the action following the bank's decision to end its defined benefit pension scheme for new staff. Unions say it will create a two-tier system.

Bank of Ireland said in a statement today: "The bank announced in May of this year that it was implementing a new pensions strategy, aimed at providing competitive, progressive and socially responsible pensions for new employees with effect from October 1, 2006, with no changes in benefit for existing staff or pensioners.

"The new pensions arrangements reflect the changing environment and are superior to most changes being introduced by other companies at present.

"In compliance with the Labour Court’s request that parties desist from any action that could exacerbate the current dispute, the Bank has no further comment to make at this time."