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.

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Hey, BNZers!

BNZers, your detailed claims for bargaining will be released this week – keep an eye out.

While you’re waiting for those, you can take a few minutes to complete the survey for the targets forum coming up soon. The survey has been sent to all members, or you can download it here http://www.finsec.org.nz/Have+your+say+on+targets+at+BNZ

There will also be a report back on results of the last forum released shortly.

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.

Stop the Press! Finsec members vote to amalgamate

Finsec members who participated in our ballot on whether Finsec should amalgamate with the National Distribution Union will be interested in the outcome of the vote.

The last votes that came in this week are still being counted, but over 50% of members have voted, and their has been a significant majority in favour of amalgamation.  Whilst the vote has not yet been finalised due to needing to give sufficient time for ballot papers to be received from NZ Post, this means the merger has been approved by members.

A formal communication will be sent to Finsec members next week with final details of the voting results, and some more information about the next steps.

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.

PSIS staff ratify 16 month term

Finsec members at PSIS have voted to accept an offer for a 16 month term. 90% of members participated in the ratification vote, 70% of whom voted to accept the offer.

The final deal includes a pay rise of 2.5% from April 2011, a further 1.5% from April 2012, and a one off payment of $200 to recognise the longer term.

Well done to all Finsec delegates and members who took part in our campaign, and who convinced PSIS to improve on their original offer.

Improvements to Westpac annual leave policy

Finsec members have had good success in securing improvements to Westpac’s annual leave policy requiring that staff take leave in a 2 week block.

While the two-week requirement remains in place, Westpac have responded to members’ concerns with significant improvements to the flexibility of their annual leave policy. Purchased leave and public holidays will be counted as part of the two weeks, and if staff take another absence of 2 weeks (such as parental or long service leave) there will be greater flexibility on the two week block. There will also be greater ability to exempt staff with caring responsibilities.

Finsec still wants to ensure that the 2 week requirement does not disadvantage staff. If you or any other staff member has been required to take their leave in a block against their wishes, please let us know. Call 0800 FINSEC or email union@finsec.org.nz

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.

The union’s role supporting quake-affected members

All Finsec members will be thinking about our Christchurch colleagues this week, and sending our best wishes for all following the series of major aftershocks this week.

Of course, Finsec is there to support members with whatever work-related issues arise from the quakes. If you’re in Christchurch, don’t hesitate to contact the union with any problem, whether it’s ongoing pressure to meet sales target, ability to access the leave you need, health and safety issues or anything else!

Just email union@finsec.org.nz or ring 0800 FINSEC and we’ll do our best to help.

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.