The Finance Sector Union has been notified by the Westpac Group that it is shutting down 48 bank branches in a major reduction in its national branch network.
The closures affect the jobs and livelihoods of 165 staff.
This series of branch closures by the Westpac Group was the largest ever by a major bank and called into question Westpac’s commitment to providing service to its customers.
Staff at the affected branches have been notified, with a process of redeployment proposed by the bank. However, redundancies are also likely in many locations.
Westpac is deserting its customers and its staff by closing branches to shore up its profits. This shutdown of so many branches is of major concern to our members and will impact on a large number of staff, banking customers, and businesses around Australia.
Westpac will claim the decision to close branches is because consumers are moving to internet banking but that’s not the case.
Banks were deemed to be an essential service and allowed to trade during last year’s national Covid lockdown but suddenly Westpac decides that its branch network is no longer essential. This is nothing more than a grab for profits by Westpac which will allow the bank to save on salaries and rents.
Urgent FSU Meeting FSU will be holding an urgent Zoom meeting for all Westpac Group staff impacted by the bank’s branch closure announcement. Follow this link to register!
FSU members can also call the FSU Member Rights Centre from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday if you are affected and need individual industrial assistance.
In Unity,
Julia Angrisano
National Secretary