A union representing financial services employees has said it will need to ballot its members after AIB backed down from a threatened crackdown on remote working, writes Adam Van Eekeren.

Staff had been informed they would be expected to work from the AIB offices at least three days a week, in a move the union described as “short-sighted and regressive”.

However, the bank sent a letter to staff yesterday – following weeks of negotiations between the Financial Services Union (FSU) and AIB – telling them they will now be allowed to work from one of the bank’s 47 “working hubs” instead of coming into the office on one of the three days per week.

The FSU’s John O’Connell said: “AIB hubs can be used as one of three days in the office and there’s greater flexibility on how these days can be used...

“We have now reached a juncture in these negotiations where we feel a ballot of our members is necessary.”

He said if the ballot is rejected by members, the matter will be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission.

AIB said the use of working hubs would be “subject to availability and agreement”.

It is understood the FSU and AIB will review pre-existing arrangements to potentially provide exceptions to the updated rules.

AIB promised it will not increase office attendance requirements if the new arrangements are effective.