Workers may be called on to boycott BoI

Union leaders are considering asking their members to boycott Bank of Ireland due to the dispute over the introduction of a new pension scheme.

The company recently introduced different pension arrangements for new staff which unions say is considerably weaker than the defined benefit scheme in place for existing workers.

The bank, however, is insisting that the new scheme will guarantee workers a similar pension to the existing one.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has accused Bank of Ireland of breaching the latest social partnership deal by introducing the changes despite a Labour Court recommendation that it be deferred pending a review.

It says it totally backs the Irish Bank Officials' Association in its campaign against the new scheme and will take whatever action is necessary to show solidarity with the workers.

SIPTU, meanwhile, says it is considering asking its 250,000 members to close any accounts they have with the bank in protest at the move.