Baywide Credit Union Staff Go On Strike

Baywide Credit Union Staff Go On Strike

Baywide Credit Union staff who are members of the finance workers’ union, Finsec, have voted to take immediate strike action today, Thursday December 22, following protracted employment negotiations.

Union members have rejected Baywide’s latest offer of a 3.5% pay increase saying that it does not go far enough to recognise staff’s commitment to Baywide customers, changes in their jobs and does not close the gap between Baywide’s wages and wages in the rest of the finance industry.

“Baywide staff are asking their employer to demonstrate they value their work by making a decent pay offer and committing to bring Baywide’s terms and conditions over time into line with the rest of the finance industry,” said Finsec Lead Organiser Andrew Campbell.

“It is disappointing that the Credit Union which was founded by union members, whose board consists mainly of union members and whose customers are mainly union members is treating its union employees so badly,” said Campbell.

“It is highly unusual for Credit Union staff anywhere to take strike action. The fact that Baywide staff are doing so demonstrates the significance of their claims and their commitment to improving their work environment,” said Finsec Organiser and negotiations advocate Arie Edmonds.

Staff will be taking strike action for all of Thursday December 22, unless a fair offer is made. There is likely to be significant disruption to Baywide’s services. There will be a picket starting at 11.15 am outside the Baywide Credit Union Hastings Branch, 500 Karamu Rd Hastings.

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