Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 September 2011
65 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the consultation taking place with AIB staff and their representatives in relation to the proposed programme of job cuts that have been proposed by AIB management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25485/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the issue he seeks information on is an operational matter for the board and management of the bank. I am informed by the bank they have been in discussions with staff representatives since November 2010 on a range of issues including contractual pay and job security/severance terms. These negotiations have been conducted in both the UK and Republic of Ireland and were the subject of recommendations from two mediators in April 2011.
Discussions following the Mediators' recommendation failed to resolve outstanding issues and matters were referred to the Labour Relations Commission in July 2011. Failure to agree was recorded and the parties were encouraged to consider moving to the next stage of the agreed procedures, an independent third party. However, the formal consultation process with the unions in relation to redundancies has not yet commenced. I am informed by the bank that they will engage with the unions when it has finalised its plans and can provide detailed information on the timing and numbers involved.
