Westpac Banking Group have announced plans to permanently close the doors on another seven branches across their national retail network. Plans are afoot to close six St George Branches in Queensland and one Westpac Branch in South Australia.
This latest announcement raises questions about Westpac’s plans for their retail network, as the total number of branches closed in 2019 hits 67.
The major banks never learn – once again we see profits being prioritised over people, staff and local communities. The FSU have learnt the bank went so far as to brief local politicians ahead of staff in order to minimise any public fallout as a result of their latest decision.
This is a prime example of the continued failure of Westpac to uphold its “service” promise to customers and shows a total disregard for their staff.
Local jobs and essential community banking services need to be the priority if the bank is ever going to regain the trust and confidence of staff and community members.
As consultation with impacted workers begins, FSU calls on Westpac to maximise redeployment opportunities for all impacted workers; redeploying only 4 staff is not good enough.
The FSU will be writing to the bank regarding their decision to brief local politicians ahead of staff, concerns around reskilling of staff, and steps the bank are taking to maximise redeployment opportunities.
The following branches have been identified for closure:
- St George Ashgrove (QLD)
- St George Capalaba (QLD)
- St George Loganholme (QLD)
- St George Kippa Ring (QLD)
- St George Morayfield (QLD)
- St George Victoria Point (QLD)
- Westpac Glenside (SA)
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 2019 (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 effect 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.