ATMs to work 9 to 5

CRITICAL talks may be convened at the Labour Relations Court over the weekend to resolve the Brinks Allied dispute in advance of a fresh threat of industrial action at the cash transit firm.

In a further twist to the now 10-day dispute, which has affected cash deliveries to nearly 200 ATMs, the union last night accused management of provoking a lock-out situation.

Meanwhile, as criminal gangs continue to target ATMs, the Bank of Ireland yesterday announced an enhanced security measure - locking up certain ATMs at night. The bank said it would remove cash from ATMs after close of business each day until new security features were in place. A spokeswoman said the bank had “identified a small number of locations that could be vulnerable to attack”.

However, chamber of commerce bodies in provincial towns warned the plan would starve local businesses of trade.

Meanwhile, Brink Allied workers involved in the dispute voted by a resounding 58 votes to eight to resume all duties but the company refused the offer unless staff agreed to man four controversial security vans.

SIPTU, accusing Brinks of implementing a lock-out, is now expected to ballot members on Monday on a proposal for industrial action.

Cash has run out, it emerged yesterday, at 192 ATM’s on the east coast, mainly in standalone locations.