Archive for 2009
On Hold No More
Posted on January 01, 2010 by Seamas Sheils
The special issues facing staff in customer service departments are being highlighted in an ongoing campaign from IBOA - The Finance Union. The Customer Service Initiative, or CSi, has revealed a widespread demand from Union members for a major review of work practices in the customer service departments of major financial institutions.
The Union's CSi survey reveals that customer service staff are under growing pressure to meet numeric targets rather than address the actual queries and concerns of customers. Most worryingly the survey clearly identifies the priority Banks give to sales rather than service in this area of the business.
A Banking Christmas Carol
Posted on December 11, 2009 by Seamas Sheils
Scrooge and the Ghosts of Banking Past, Present and Future
An update of Dickens's A Christmas Carol provides a cautionary tale for the financial sector as the ghosts of Banking Past, Banking Present and Banking Future warn Mr. Scrooge of the ruin that awaits the industry if it does not rebuild itself in a fair and transparent way that respects customers and workers.
IBOA in legal challenge to Ulster Bank
Posted on November 12, 2009 by Seamas Sheils
IBOA is launching legal action against the Ulster Bank Group in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to protect our members' existing pay, pensions and terms and conditions of employment.
In the Republic, the Union's legal action aims to ensure that our members' rightful entitlements to profit share, PEF, National Wage Agreements and overtime are honoured.
In Northern Ireland, the Union's legal action aims to ensure that our members' rightful entitlements to profit share and PEF are honoured.
Ulster Bank - Your Future
Posted on November 11, 2009 by Seamas Sheils
In this briefing document, IBOA General Secretary, Larry Broderick addresses the key concerns that IBOA has brought to the attention of members over the last two weeks. Click here download the briefing document.
Beware of Ulster's Carrot & Pick Approach
Posted on October 15, 2009 by Seamas Sheils
For the latest updates on the Union's campaign to resist Ulster Bank's attempt to impose new contracts and pension arrangements on staff without proper consultation, negotation or agreement with IBOA, please click here. The real implications of the proposed new contract are outlined here.
The Future of Financial Services
Posted on August 31, 2009 by Seamas Sheils
The Irish Government's proposal to create a "bad bank" in the form of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) along with the UK Government's insurance protection scheme for British- based banks is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the future of the Irish banking industry, for your jobs and for your terms and conditions of employment.
The Irish Government has circulated draft legislation on NAMA - which will take over both performing and non-performing loans from the institutions covered by the Irish State guarantee - with a view to having a full Parliamentary debate in mid-September.
Banking Culture Must Change
Posted on April 29, 2009 by Seamas Sheils
Delegates at the Union's Biennial Delegate Conference in April have backed calls for a major change in the culture of banking as well as a much stricter regulatory regime and measures to improve governance of financial institutions. Delegates also warned that they did not believe financial services staff should be scapegoated for mismanagement by senior executives. Delegates want comprehensive agreements with employers covering job security, remuneration and pensions.
Read the press release about the key conference demands.
Read some of the press coverage of the conference:
RTE (including extended video clip from Six One News): IBOA cites 'relentless pressure' to sell
Irish Independent: IBOA throws down gauntlet on price of co-operating with NAMA
Irish Examiner: Union calls for bank board reform
Irish Times: Banks' customers may 'regret' nationalisation
IBOA Members Join Dublin Protest…
Posted on February 21, 2009 by Tom Duke
IBOA members take part in the ICTU march and demonstration on the Republic's economic crisis in Dublin on February 21, 2009.
In recent months frontline bank officials have experienced a new phenomenon at work - an unprecedented level of vitriol and abuse, including threats of violence, from customers and members of the public who blame the regular staff working in the branches for the excesses of a handful of high fliers at the top of these institutions.
Bank staff feel particularly aggrieved because the new culture in banking - which has led to most of the current difficulties in the financial services sector - is one that they have spoken out against on many occasions in the past - through their representatives in IBOA the Finance Union.
