Union demands to know plans for building societies

THE Government has been urged to announce its plans for a number of building societies amid fears its recapitalisation of the banks might undermine their position in the financial sector.

Unite trade union said the Government must act swiftly in announcing its plans for Irish Life and Permanent, EBS Building Society and Irish Nationwide, the three institutions protected under Government guarantee, but who have yet to be included in announcements on recapitalisation or other measures.

Unite represents 3,500 workers at Irish Life and Permanent and EBS Building Society, while Nationwide is non-unionised.