The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is to be asked to act as conciliator in a dispute between KBC Ireland and staff who are members of the Financial Services Union over terms and conditions governing the bank's plans to leave Ireland.
The union has claimed that the bank has refused to discuss several serious industrial relations matters with it, leaving it with no alterative but to refer the issues to the WRC.
"KBC continuing refusal to discuss, through normal industrial channels, matters that effect their employers is shocking and a deplorable way to treat their staff," said Gareth Murphy, head of industrial relations and campaigns with the union.
"Our members expect that their employer will deal with their representatives in a professional manner similar to what happens in other retail Banks."
The issues include ensuring that staff who transfer to other companies as part of the sale of loan books or services would have their rights to retain their existing terms and conditions protected.
The union also wants to ensure redundancy terms are applicable to all at risk, including from the closures of other branches or hubs.
The FSU is also seeking a long-term solution to protect the KBC defined benefit pension scheme via a transfer of employer responsibilities to KBC Group.
The union also wants to make all fixed-term contractors permanent for the withdrawal process.
Last April KBC announced plans that could lead to it withdrawing from the Irish market.
It recently sold its non-performing loans to CarVal and continues to have talks with Bank of Ireland about the sale of its performing book.
In a statement, KBC said it has robust procedures in place for engaging with employees through its internal Employee Council and deals directly with employees on all matters affecting their employment.
"We respect our employees' rights to join a trade union. Our policy has always been to deal with our employees on a direct basis," it said.
