FSU says staff ‘at breaking point’ over exits of Ulster Bank, KBC
The Financial Services Union, which represents bank workers, has said its members are at breaking point dealing with the increased workload caused by the exits of Ulster Bank and KBC.
The union has commissioned a survey of its members, which shows that 88% of respondents feel stressed at work either on a regular or very regular basis.
The study found that 73% feel their workload has increased due to the exits of Ulster Bank and KBC.
Speaking ahead of an appearance today before the Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, FSU General Secretary John O’Connell called on the regulator to instruct Ulster Bank and KBC to extend their timelines for withdrawal.
He also urged the banks to employ additional resources and staff to support customers changing accounts.
“It was clear from the outset that a change this seismic would require the setting of realistic timelines for completion, extra resources, and staff to cope with the additional workload and the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders to ensure that there is a transparent and coordinated approach to this major change project,” he said.
“It is regrettable that the banks did not adopt this approach from the start,” he added.
The committee will resume discussions on the impact on customers of the withdrawal of Ulster Bank and KBC from the Irish market.
The union will also repeat its calls for the Central Bank to convene a taskforce to coordinate an agreed implementation plan containing a range of measures to ease pressure on staff over the coming months.
As well as the Financial Services Union, the committee will also hear from representatives of Electric Ireland.
Article Source – FSU says staff ‘at breaking point’ over exits of Ulster Bank, KBC – Brian O’Donovan – RTE
