Computer staff at Bank of Ireland served two weeks' strike notice yesterday, warning they will obstruct plans to outsource IT support unless their jobs are safeguarded.
An 83 per cent majority of the 350 workers voted to stage industrial action if the bank attempts to redeploy them to US IT giant Hewlett Packard without guaranteeing pay and conditions.
A strike over the €556 million outsourcing deal would paralyse the bank's computer network, the Irish Bank Officials' Association (IBOA) said. The bank refused to comment on suggestions that customer services might be compromised as a result.
With management and worker representatives set to meet next Tuesday, it would be premature and irresponsible to speculate on the consequences of yesterday's ballot, a spokeswoman said.
IBOA general secretary Mr Larry Broderick said staff were wary of joining Hewlett Packard, which has shed thousands of workers worldwide after its merger with rival Compaq last year.
Accusing the bank of arrogantly disregarding employee anxieties, Mr Broderick insisted there would be no backing down.
He added: "It is hoped that Bank of Ireland and Hewlett Packard would start to respect the legitimate concerns of staff in relation to the future of their jobs and terms and conditions of employment.
"Otherwise, staff will not be co-operating with any proposal to outsource," he said.
Bank of Ireland is down-playing the controversy, saying it will consult staff over coming months.
The outsourcing contract has been agreed in principle only, with due diligence pending, the spokeswoman said.
Hewlett Packard declined to comment. It has agreed to talks with IBOA representatives but no date has been set.
Some 150 IT workers in Northern Ireland and Britain are also due to be redeployed to Hewlett Packard under the deal.
In February, Bank of Ireland made 350 staff redundant following the merger of two loss-making UK subsidiaries.
The lay-offs came at the end of one of the most successful years in the bank's history, in which it posted a €1.1 billion pre-tax profit.
Hewlett Packard is among the largest employers in the Irish technology sector, with 4,000 staff.
