An appeals process has commenced for staff at AIB whose hybrid working requests are refused.
As part of negotiations between AIB and the Financial Services Union (FSU) on the bank’s new hybrid working model, it was agreed that an external appeals process would be established.
Appeals will now be heard by an independent third party, Stratis Consulting.
“All AIB employees who have been refused an exception to the new AIB hybrid working will be entitled to appeal using the pre-set process agreed between the FSU and the bank,” said Gareth Murphy, Head of Industrial Relations and Campaigns with the FSU.
Mr Murphy said, “the FSU expects in the region of 700 appeals to be heard over the coming months.
“When a final decision has being reached it will be binding on both parties, except for any external legal rights the employee may pursue.
“All employees who appeal will continue to work their current arrangement until they receive an outcome from their appeal,” he added.
An AIB spokesperson said the bank is writing to staff whose request for an exception to its Ways of Working Policy was not successful, to outline the reasons and their options.
“These include an independent appeals process established in consultation with the Financial Services Union,” AIB said.
“AIB 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.
“We also recognise the benefits of structured, hybrid working and are committed to enabling it.
“We continue to engage with the FSU through our normal industrial relations process,” the bank added.
