Ch-ch-changes at ANZ National

The moves to align National Bank and ANZ systems (in preparation for a likely move to one brand) have hit a few bumps in the road, and has been delayed to IT hold ups.  The new roll over date for ‘simplification’ will be confirmed soon.

A meeting between Union Councillors and the bank threw light on the changes processes at the bank, but Union Council Chair Graham Lee said that the changes did not always meet up with the bank’s assurances. “With role alignment processes in particular, staff are saying that things are not always fair and transparent. Get in touch with Finsec and let us know your concerns if this applies to you.”

When the new system is fully operational across the banks (in the first half of 2012) the more thorny issue of the future of the National Bank will be addressed.

Campaign for better shifts get results

An ongoing campaign for fixed shifts at the ANZ Australian Call Centre in Wellington delivered results at mediation last week.

Finsec members agreed to put our legal case to the Employment Relations Authority on hold following the mediation. The understanding  is that the centre will move to fixed days of week with a small variability in start and finish times, that everyone would get input into the new roster system, and that there would be a fair process developed so staff could move to their preferred shift. This process is to be complete by March 2012.

The success shows the value of a campaign with various strands that members have supported over the last year. The issue has been raised at bargaining, been pursued through a working party with the bank, and through legal avenues. Most importantly, members have participated in collective activities, recruited their colleagues and kept the pressure up! Well done to all involved!

Profit surge at ANZ National

A  45% in underlying profits in the last 9 months is even more of a reason that staff should not be disadvantaged by the potential demise of the National Bank, said Finsec Campaigns Director Tali Williams. The after tax profits of the bank have increased by 19% for the same period, to $735 million.

Williams said that ANZ National staff have responded brilliantly to the questions arising from the review of our collective agreement. “Staff from ANZ and National bank are speaking with one voice when it comes to the change.”

“They want both staff and customers to be treated fairly,” said Williams. “The massive increase in profits over the last year, despite recessionary conditions and earthquakes, means the bank won’t have a leg to stand on if it wants to cut jobs or services in the future.”

The report back from members is currently being collated in readiness for the next phase of the campaign.

National Bank demise closer than ever with big job changes signaled?

ANZ retail staff were informed this week that their jobs are to be restructured, in order that they be more closely aligned with National Bank jobs.

In response to Finsec’s media comment, the bank stated publicly that redundancies wouldn’t be a feature of the change, a commitment they refused to make as part of the review the staff collective agreement.

Andrew Casidy said that the bank had tried many times to minimise the changes as a simple re-branding exercise. “We are very concerned that the move will have much more of an impact than just different signs and letterhead. ANZ National are an extremely profitable company, and they will have a hard time convincing New Zealanders that there is any case to cut jobs or service to customers.”

Finsec members will be engaged in a collective response to the proposed restructuring over the coming weeks, and are also currently holding report back meetings on the outcomes of the CEA review.

ANZ National CEA Review next week

The review of the ANZ National Collective Employment Agreement takes place next week, and Finsec members are going to use the opportunity to ensure that staff have a fair say in the future of the National Bank.

ANZ National staff are also sending a petition to ANZ CEO David Hisco asking that staff are consulted with about any change to the structure of the bank, that protecting jobs be a top priority (and staffing levels not be reduced) and that the bank ensure that customers’ concerns are responded to and met.

If you agree – sign the paper petition that has been circulated, or you can distribute the online version and sign electronically. You can click on this link http://tiny.cc/finsec_petition
or you can go to http://www.finsec.org.nz and click through to “Where I Work” ANZ National.

Two things you can do to have your say in future of National Bank

Finsec members have launched a short, snappy campaign plan to increase the influence staff have over the future of the National Bank, through the review of the Collective Agreement (happening in mid July).

It involves two simple steps to ensure that as many staff as possible get information and protection through our union during the change process – and that we all get a say!

So what are the two actions for change?

1.    Finsec members talking to non-members about our campaign (and for non-members joining our union before bargaining occurs!)
2.    Signing our petition (online or on paper) to ANZ New Zealand CEO asking that staff have a say. Go here: http://tiny.cc/finsec_petition or go to http://www.finsec.org.nz and click through to Where I Work – ANZ National

Easy peasy! Packs have been sent out to all ANZ National worksites with campaign resources. Delegate run claims meetings finish next week, and all organiser-run back office and call centre meetings will be held next week also.

$20 billion profit not enough – Aussie banks recommence offshoring programme

Apparently even $20 billion annual profit is not enough, with Australian banks looking to cut costs by moving jobs offshore.  Westpac is sending 100 jobs to India, and ANZ has 150 jobs in its sights, likely to be sent to the Philippines.

Delegates from Finsec’s sister union the FSU met this week and adopted an urgent motion condemning the offshoring and calling on the banks to commit to Australian jobs. National Secretary Leon Carter said “The facts are clear; the more money employees make for our big banks the more harshly they’re treated by their employer. Whether it’s ramped up sales targets or the threat of losing their jobs to cheaper labour overseas, bank executives are consumed with bottom line results with little regard for workers or bank customers.”

Kiwi bank workers need to keep a close eye on these developments. As well as supporting our colleagues over the Tasman, we don’t want to see bad employment practices copied here.

Staff want a say in future of National Bank

Finsec members at ANZ National are looking at making consultation with staff and protecting jobs a central issue in the mid-year review of the Collective Employment Agreement. The proposed claims are a response to staff concerns about the future of the National Bank, and the bank’s plans to close the brand.

ANZ National Union Councillor Nola Macken said the changes were a huge concern for staff. “With ANZ staff training and us moving on to one system, we’re all aware that the re-branding is getting closer and closer. All staff are wondering about our job security, but especially non-members who don’t have the pro-active approach we do with the bank.”

Nola said that this was a good time to talk to non-members about the way that Finsec is addressing the impact of the change in our Collective Agreement. “We want our concerns addressed before the re-branding process occurs, to give us greater security.”

The proposed claims focus on protecting jobs and ensuring that there are meaningful consultation processes in place for any organisational change.

ANZ National members are discussing the claims in union meetings that run until 8 July. And BNZers, your claims development meetings run until 1 July.

Finsec members pleased with some easing of targets pressure at ANZ National

Some Finsec members at ANZ National have reported that our messages to the banks about the stress and unachievable nature of targets have got through.

There are reports of some signs of positive change over recent weeks. Finsec Union Councillor David Baker said while the changes are a mixed bag, the bank has acknowledged the concerns raised about the change in market conditions, and the pressures that have been felt about lending.

“It is essential that Finsec members continue to give their feedback for targets forums and other processes – it does get back to the bank and is valued,” he said. “Of course non-members talk to members about targets too. It’s important that we challenge non-members about what feedback they have given the bank about their targets. We need to encourage them to join our union if they want to have a voice on targets pressure.”

Targets continue to be an issue at ANZ National, and Finsec members will need to continue to raise their concerns. Recent improvements show how important it is that members provide information for our quarterly forum and continue to fight against unfair targets.

Shouldn’t you be at a union meeting?

If you’re a Finsec member at ANZ National or BNZ the answer is yes!

BNZers are in the middle of the process of developing claims with half hour paid union meetings. The meetings are discussing important issues including our pay claim, and the fairness of current pay systems.

ANZ National folk, your meetings start next week. A pack to run the paid one-hour meetings at your work-site was sent to all delegates at the beginning of this week. Any questions about the info in the pack? Call us! Didn’t get the pack? Call us!

These meetings are an important part of achieving good outcomes in BNZ bargaining and in the ANZ National mid-year review. Make sure you’re there.