Media release

The Finance Sector Union (FSU) is calling on banks and financial institutions to immediately suspend mandatory office attendance requirements, as rising fuel costs and global instability place growing pressure on workers.

The union has written to employers urging them to allow staff to determine their own flexible working arrangements, in response to escalating cost-of-living pressures linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The union says the call reflects both economic reality and practical solutions already proven by the sector.

The call follows international recommendations to reduce fuel demand, including guidance over the weekend highlighting remote work as a key measure governments and businesses can adopt immediately.

The FSU say finance workers had already demonstrated their ability to work effectively from home and have asked employers to respond within one week.

Finance Sector Union National Secretary Julia Angrisano said:

“Workers are being hit from every angle, fuel, rent, mortgages and inflation – and employers have a clear opportunity to provide immediate relief.

“Cutting back unnecessary commuting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce costs for workers right now.

“We know flexible work works. The sector delivered through the pandemic and continues to do so.

“This is not a theoretical solution – it’s a practical step employers can take today to ease pressure on their workforce.

“This is about giving workers some control back at a time when so much feels uncertain.”

For more information: Kate Shuttleworth, 0447 418 726