Finance sector workers, especially those in customer facing roles, are the visible faces of their respective organisations. So when the company you work for makes a decision that is unpopular, it is the workers on the front line, rather than the people who make the decisions, that are the target of customer anger and frustration. Customer contact and being able to provide great service is generally a positive and rewarding element of the work that a lot of FSU members do, however there are sometimes downsides, as has been demonstrated by recent attacks on finance sector workers from members of the public unhappy about recent interest rate hikes.

Recently, I recorded a video appeal to Australian bank customers, urging them to direct their anger and frustration at the decision makers, not the employees they deal with day to day. If you haven’t seen it yet, please visit our YouTube channel, and consider sharing it with others. 

In October I wrote about the ACTU President Ged Kearney’s address to the National Press Club setting out her agenda for Australian unions and workers, which included plans to conduct the biggest ever survey of Australian workers. The survey has been launched and I invite all FSU members participate. The aim of the Big Union Survey is to find out what you think unions can do to make your work lives better and what social issues you care about. The survey will allow the ACTU to identify issues that are important to workers, not just those delivered by a focus group.

And finally, I would like to share with you an inspiring video that was created especially for the UNI Global Union World Congress in Nagasaki. I was among 2000 delegates, representing the interests of Australian finance sector workers. Click here to view.