Westpac continues to abandon branches and jobs in the face of Royal Commission
Less than a week after appearing before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, declaring;
and that
Westpac have announced plans to permanently shut the doors on another 13 branches across their retail network, cutting 63 jobs.
So far in 2018 Westpac have already announced the closure of 23 branches across their retail branch network, with the latest announcement bringing the total to 36 branches. This raises the question of how Westpac’s current strategy of closing branches across their network produces good outcomes for customers and provides a strong service culture.
We know a number of groups in the community, including the elderly and business sector, value the branches and they are likely to see these closures as a short-sighted decision that will harm the local area and economy. Banking is an essential service that all Australians deserve.
FSU calls on Westpac to maximise redeployment opportunities for impacted staff and consult with workers, communities and the FSU about the future of its branch network.
The following branches have been identified for closure:
Westpac
- 180 Hutt St Adelaide (SA)
- Sugarland Shoppingtown (QLD)
- Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre, Sandridge, Bunbury (WA)
- Mitcham, 107 Belair Road, Torrens Park (SA)
St George
- Norwest Marketown, 4 Century Circuit, Bualkham Hills (NSW)
- Oatley (NSW)
- Wentworthville Mall (NSW)
- Corrimal (NSW)
Bank of Melbourne
- Balaclava
- Fairfield
- Mt Waverley
- Rosebud
BankSA
- Casuarina
Are you Impacted?
If you are impacted and want to retain a role, speak up as part of the consultation process currently underway.
The Westpac Group Enterprise Agreement 2016 (EA), sets out your rights and entitlements, including what steps Westpac must undertake in consulting you about the proposed branch closures.
The agreement provisions include:
- Genuine consultation periods to consider members’ feedback about proposed changes;
- Measures Westpac will take to mitigate the adverse affect of the change;
- Fair redeployment process that includes access to case managers and consideration of employee preferences.
If you and your colleagues are impacted, make sure you have all the facts. FSU members can access our Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.