Computer staff at Bank of Ireland are considering industrial action over a rationalisation plan, in a move that could cripple the company's IT network and throw many of its operations into chaos.
The results of a ballot of 350 workers at Bank of Ireland IT services will be known today and is expected to show strong opposition to a deal transferring its operations to Hewlett Packard unless job security is assured.
The bank has struck a €556 million outsourcing contract - the third largest ever secured by Hewlett Packard - which, pending due diligence, will see IT staff redeployed to the US computer giant within six months.
Fearful that their jobs may be jeopardised, employees are demanding guarantees for future pay and conditions and the option of remaining at Bank of Ireland.
The Irish Bank Officials Association has warned management it risks fermenting a strike should it push the deal through without addressing staff concerns.
Industrial action would paralyse the bank's computer systems and bring services to a standstill, said general secretary Mr Larry Broderick.
"There is a great deal of trepidation. Staff are afraid that their employee rights will be much reduced if they are forced to join Hewlett Packard," said Mr Broderick.
"Hewlett Packard is non-unionised and there is a fear that people may not enjoy the same benefits that they do with Bank of Ireland.
"They are worried and angry over what has happened and don't want to find themselves redundant the next time Hewlett Packard decides it needs to reduce its costs."
The bank played down talk of unrest, saying it will consult workers over the next four months.
Some 150 IT staff in Britain and Northern Ireland are also set to be transferred to Hewlett Packard under the agreement.
Hewlett Packard won the contract ahead of IBM after a keenly contested tendering process. It is the largest awarded by an Irish company and runs for seven years. Proposals to merge the bank's IT division with that of rival AIB floundered last year.
Hewlett Packard employs 4,000 in Ireland. The IT downturn prompted it to embark on an €18 billion merger with rival Compaq last year.
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