The Financial Services Union (FSU) has described an announcement by AIB of changes to its hybrid working policy as regressive, shortsighted and without justification.
AIB said today that staff will be required to work in an office-based location for a minimum of three days a week.
This will be phased in and will take full effect from 1 January 2026.
“The FSU is conscious not all employees in AIB can avail of remote working but for those who can this is a backward step for a bank that consistently attempts to pride itself on being a family friendly employer,” said John O’Connell, General Secretary of the FSU.
“There is no justification for this change and the decision should be revisited with any possible change fully reflective of the views of staff,” Mr O’Connell said.
In a statement, AIB said it believes all employees benefit from in person time with their own team and broader colleagues.
“This enables greater collaboration, connection and innovation that supports our customers, the economy and communities in achieving future success,” a spokesperson said.
“We also recognise the benefits of structured, hybrid working and are committed to enabling it,” he said.
“We have a balanced and comprehensive hybrid working structure in place and keep this under review to ensure it continues to serve the needs of both our customers, colleagues and the group,” AIB said.
Earlier this month, Bank of Ireland announced that from September, staff who are eligible for hybrid working will be required to work in-person a minimum of eight days per month or two days per week.
