BoI invited to talks over ITSIS strike

The Irish Bank Officials Association has invited Bank of Ireland to talks aimed at ending the industrial dispute involving its computer support staff.

Around 300 workers in Bank of Ireland's ITSIS are currently engaged in a one-day strike in protest at the "outsourcing" of their jobs to the US multinational Hewlett-Packard.

The bank has signed a seven-year contract with the US computer firm, but the ITSIS workers have only been guaranteed two years' job security.

Both sides failed to resolve their differences during talks at the Labour Relations Commission this week and the Irish Bank Officials Association has threatened to escalate its industrial action if the bank does not address the concerns of workers.

The IBOA today invited Bank of Ireland to talks under the arbitration of industrial relations expert Phil Flynn, if the bank defers negotiations with Hewlett-Packard.

A spokesperson said the striking workers are very anxious to resolve the issue.