Westpac have announced plans to offshore 15 roles from the Personal Banking Service Centre – Business and Everyday Banking, policy and procedures team. At the same time as announcing plans to offshore these jobs, Westpac are also proposing to cut 80 jobs from their Commercial and SME division.
Offshoring Australia
Westpac are proposing to send 15 roles from the PBSC – policy and procedures team, a team that provides support to retail branches across the country, to their offshore provider.
This latest announcement comes hot on the heels of disappointing full year 2019 results, which included profits down by 15%, a reduction of 1741 full time equivalent staff, and 61 branches closed.
In deciding the merits of an offshoring proposition and who is best placed to provide services to support customers, Westpac must consider the significant expertise and high level of experience of existing staff.
Westpac are proposing to offshore these jobs whilst loudly proclaiming support for Australia, their customers and their people.
Australian workers have the skills
Each of these jobs is currently being performed by capable and experienced Australia-based staff. Apparently, what they lack is “the ability to leverage our partners systems and processes” – otherwise known as cost cutting. So, their jobs are being sent offshore because they are permanent employees who earn Australian wage rates – hardly actions of a corporation that is supporting Australia.
FSU members impacted by this decision are concerned that if this change proceeds it could have an impact on retail branch staff and their customers.
If you currently interact with PBSC policy and procedure team and rely on them to support you and your customers, we want to hear from you. Email us here to let us know how this change will affect you.
Commercial and SME Jobs under threat
Westapc are proposing a number of changes across Commercial and SME as they move to remove complexity from their business. The changes include aligning team structures to a multi brand leadership structure, repointing some roles back into SME and Commercial as well as changes to the number of overall roles.
Register here if you are interested in attending an FSU meeting or teleconference.
Will you be asked to do more with less staff – What you can do
During the consultation period make sure you speak up about any concerns you and your colleagues may have – Westpac is obliged to consider your ideas and provide responses before a final decision is made.
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.
When providing your feedback on the proposed change, some things you should consider are how the proposed change will impact work flow, quality of service provided, and workloads.
If you are impacted, make sure you get all the facts. You can:
- Speak to your FSU Workplace Rep or Organiser
- Join the FSU online today at www.fsunion.org.au/join
- Register to attend a workplace meeting or teleconference to discuss the impact on you and your colleagues
Contact our Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378 to get further information, advice or to request a FSU consultation fact sheet
Contact Details
Finance Sector Union
Ph: 1300 366 378
nabmembers@fsunion.org.au
