The Financial Services Union (FSU) has described recent media reports that Bank of Ireland is reviewing its entire branch structure in the Republic of Ireland as a 'slap in the face' for staff, customers and Government.
The bank has neither confirmed nor denied reports that it's preparing to shut branches across its network.
John O'Connell, General Secretary of the FSU said the idea that Bank of Ireland would announce branch closures during a pandemic shows a "complete disregard" for all involved.
"I spoke with the bank last week looking for a timetable to reopen branches that are only partially open at the moment and the bank gave no indication at that meeting that branch closures in the Republic were a possibility.
"Taking advantage of the pandemic to close branches flies in the face of government policy of sustaining business in communities and the SME sector.
"Punishing communities for adhering to Government regulations is totally outrageous," he said.
Mr O'Connell said the FSU has written agreements with the bank on the branch network, and he said they expect the bank to honour them.
"If not, we will have no choice but to utilise all the industrial relation mechanisms of the state," he added.
The FSU has called on the Minister for Finance and the Central Bank Governor to intervene.
"The UK regulator recently issued a direct call to Banks in the UK that they should not close branches now as it will affect the most vulnerable in society more than anyone else.
"We call on the Central Bank Governor to issue a strong statement in support of the branch network and against any possible branch closures from any Bank," said Mr O'Connell.
Bank of Ireland has over 260 branches here, the largest bank branch network in Ireland.
The bank temporarily shut around 100 branches at the onset of the pandemic last year.
It's since reopened more than 80 on a part time basis.
Bank of Ireland announced a redundancy package last summer which will see the equivalent of 1,450 full time positions, or about 14% of its workforce, leaving the bank.
The bank received more than 2,000 applications for the scheme.
The speculation around Bank of Ireland's branch network comes as Ulster Bank is expected to announce its future intentions for the Irish market in the days ahead.
Its parent, NatWest, has been engaged in a strategic review of its operations in the Republic of Ireland.
Ulster Bank is scheduled to publish its full year results on Friday.
