Young bankers look to mediation with hope

Monday, 13 June 2005
For immediate release

Young bankers look to mediation with hope

ANZ National Bank and its workers will enter mediation tomorrow following a month of nationwide rolling strikes. The two parties will attempt, with the assistance of a mediator from the Employment Relations Service, to resolve employment negotiations, which started eleven weeks ago. Following the integration of ANZ and National Bank last year, workers have been taking a principled stand on the issue of equity between existing and new staff, as well as equity between staff at the two bank brands.

Young workers and future employees of the bank are among those with a strong interest in the negotiations. The bank has resisted the union’s claim throughout the negotiations for existing and future bank workers to get fair compensation for weekend and evening work. The bank workers’ union, Finsec, believes this is unfair.

“It would be a travesty if working conditions were clawed back from these new workers at a time when the bank is making record profits.” Said Finsec Campaigns Director, Karen Skinner. “It would mean some staff doing the same job will be on completely different terms and conditions, and that bodes badly for customer service.”

“It’s easy for young workers and new graduates to be exploited in their first jobs. So, it’s really important that employers that can afford it, such as ANZ National Bank, take a moral stand and treat their young workers fairly.” Said Andrew Kirton, Co-President of the New Zealand University Students Association.

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