Judging by the comments passed on by members, a number of people have noticed the FSU commenting on the issue of debt stress on radio, television and in print.

The prime reason for entering the debate is to ensure the wider community develops some understanding of the pressure finance sector workers are under.

Late last year FSU conducted research with members of the public. Most had some awareness that finance sector workers have KPI’s or sales targets to meet, and that was the reason they were continually offered products, usually debt creating products such as loans or credit cards.

However, they were quite shocked to learn of the practice of linking pay outcomes to the sale of these products, and that in effect staff needed to push the sale to avoid a pay freeze, or in the worst cases, adverse pay outcomes or loss of employment.

FSU members in all areas of the sector tell us that target-related stress is an everyday reality for them.

Members report a feeling of powerlessness when confronted with ever-increasing targets and higher performance hurdles to get over.

At times like that, your union membership is invaluable.

FSU assists members in similar situations every day. From individual advocacy at the workplace to ensure fair and consultative target setting arrangements, to negotiating the inclusion of mutually agreed target setting in enterprise agreements.

FSU will continue to campaign publicly on this issue which affects the vast majority of members. The union is running an online forum on the issue so members can have their say. Click here to post a comment. 

If you require assistance with your particular circumstances, please contact the Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378. The Member Rights Centre operates from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday (EST).