The FSU and St George met again last week and positive progress was made on your new St George/BankSA Collective Agreement 2010. Next week we’ll be meeting for two days in Adelaide and a key focus will be the Union’s claim for guaranteed annual pay increases for all employees and improved job security.

Responses to the FSU St George/BankSA Collective Agreement survey included
concerns over:

• All employees, including packaged employees, receiving guaranteed pay increases to keep ahead of the cost of living;
• Uncertainty about future job cuts in light of the takeover by Westpac and the possibility of further off-shoring.

Westpac has given assurances that they have suspended offshoring, and that St George/BankSA will maintain its distinct identity as part of the Westpac Group multi-brand strategy.

The FSU believes these assurances must be strengthened through your Collective Agreement.

The FSU Plan for Job Security

During the GFC the FSU developed the Invest in Australia Plan to help protect jobs and secure careers in the finance sector. The FSU Plan, which also helps maintain the distinct St George and BankSA brands, includes the following elements:

• No more offshoring
• Better retraining and outplacement
• Enhanced retrenchment benefits
• No forced retrenchments

You can support the FSU claim for Job Security to be included in the St George/BankSA Collective Agreement by:

• Completing our online feedback form (below) to show your support
• Joining the FSU if you are not already a member
• Talking to your work colleagues about the FSU Invest in Australia Plan