'Work-life-balance bank' treats staff differently

Wednesday, June 23, 2004
For immediate release

'Work-life-balance bank' treats call centre staff differently

Staff employed in Westpac’s call centres have resoundingly rejected a new offer to settle their collective employment agreement, saying it does not go far enough to address their concerns about work life balance and equity.

“"Finsec members have committed to more action if needed," said Karen Skinner, Finsec organiser. "They think the offer makes a mockery of the bank’s claim to be a good employer in terms of “work life” balance.”

“Call centre staff continue to work more hours than elsewhere in the bank. "Westpac is only willing to reduce their hours if the workers take a substantial pay cut.

They also face a punishing changing roster system, which disrupts their lives with family and friends. The bank offer to slowly introduce semi-fixed or fixed shifts for some staff over a one year is too vague and not enough on its own to address their work-life balance concerns.

“Staff need to see a real commitment from the bank to implement their work life policy fairly to all their staff. “

“We have given the bank until Thursday to think seriously about whether they will listen to their staff, before we are forced to call in a mediator, and look at further action," Ms Skinner concluded.

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