ATMs throughout the east coast region affected by the Brinks Allied dispute are to remain out of operation over the weekend, despite efforts to resolve the dispute yesterday at the Labour Relations Commission.
The two-week long dispute which has led to the closure of a considerable number of non-branch ATM machines appears to be no closer to resolution, with both sides saying considerable disagreements remain.
Mr Kevin McMahon, SIPTU security branch secretary, said last night: "We are still engaged in a process with the goal of resuming full services as soon as possible. The talks remain on-going and we are still trying to find an accommodation on the issues."
The banks affected by the dispute said last night the level of disruption to customers will not increase over the weekend as they put their contingency plans into operation.
Ulster Bank, whose machines are serviced by Brinks Allied, said last night that the 22 off-site machines that have been affected since the beginning of the dispute will remain closed over the weekend, but all branch machines will be in operation.
Ms Caroline Douglas, spokeswoman for Ulster Bank, said: "While a number of our machines won't be in operation during the weekend, we have made every possible effort to limit the disruption to our customers. It is certainly not an ideal state of affairs for us to be in but so far we have been dealing quite comfortably with the situation."
The banks were keen to stress that only off-site machines will be affected by the dispute and the chances of branch machines running empty were described as "highly unlikely".
Earlier yesterday, the union said it was prepared to call off next Thursday's strike at Brinks Allied Ltd if its members are allowed to resume normal working.
Speaking to the media before talks resumed at the Labour Relations Commission in Dublin, Mr McMahon said, "We remain committed to finding a solution to the problem at Brinks. There is not that much between us and we are prepared to stay for as long as it takes if the company is prepared to engage in serious negotiation on health and safety issues.
"Brinks are a good employer and we have enjoyed good relations with them in the past. There is too much a stake for the company, for the workers and for the public not to make an all-out effort to resolve this dispute"
The workers in the company voted on Wednesday to serve formal strike notice on the company by 60 votes to nine. The vote prompted Brinks to extend an invitation to discuss any grievances at the Labour Relations Commission.
The company described the current action as "unofficial industrial action which is unacceptable and totally contrary to normal industrial relations procedures."
Brinks Allied services about 240 machines, mainly in Dublin and the north-east. Machines which are currently being serviced by supervisory staff would quickly run out of money as these workers have indicated they will not pass a picket.