AIB Staff Face Long Commutes, Frustration Over New Office Policy

UPDATE: AIB employees are reeling from a shocking announcement mandating a return to office work, effective January 1, 2026. Staff will now be required to report to the Dublin headquarters at least three days a week, leaving many facing grueling commutes and uncertainty about their future.

Workers are voicing their frustration after being informed they cannot use the bank’s 49 staff hubs or 170 branches for remote work. One employee, who relocated to a rural area based on the expectation of remote work, expressed disbelief, stating, “I don’t think I would be able, physically or mentally, to travel up and down to Dublin three days a week.” The abrupt nature of this change has left many staff feeling abandoned, with one saying, “We’re in trouble now.”

The new policy, communicated to employees without prior consultation, has sparked outrage within the workforce. Many AIB staff members, particularly those living in distant counties like Kerry, are now reconsidering their positions with the bank. The Financial Services Union (FSU) has reported a wave of concern, stating that over 1,500 workers have attended meetings to discuss the implications of the new policy.

AIB maintains that it remains committed to a hybrid work model, allowing two days of remote work each week. However, the bank’s decision to restrict remote work options has drawn sharp criticism.

“This is unacceptable behavior from one of Ireland’s pillar banks,”

said Labour’s finance spokesperson Ged Nash TD. He emphasized the need for AIB to reverse this decision immediately, calling it a “diktat” that neglects staff needs.

The announcement comes shortly after the government sold its remaining stake in AIB, which had been bailed out following the 2008 financial crisis. Staff are concerned that this shift signals an attempt to streamline operations at their expense. One worker noted, “It affects a lot of us, and it affects our whole lives,” as many now face the grim prospect of relocating or seeking new employment within six months.

AIB’s communication stated that attendance at remote hubs “does not count towards office attendance,” which has intensified anger among employees. The FSU’s Brian McDowell highlighted the lack of consultation before the announcement, stressing the frustration among staff. He stated, “They need to pause any implementation on this and sit down with the FSU.”

AIB’s spokesperson defended the policy, asserting that in-person collaboration is vital for team cohesion and productivity. They noted that some employees already work in the office multiple days a week and that the changes will be phased in gradually.

As tensions rise, many AIB employees are grappling with the implications of this sudden shift, questioning their futures and the sustainability of their roles within the bank. With the deadline for the new policy looming, the urgency for AIB to address staff concerns has never been more critical.