Win! NAB backs down on personal phone requirement

10 August 2026

We've just secured a great win that will help protect the privacy of all NAB employees!

Following pressure from FSU members and union representations, NAB has backed down on plans to force employees to use their personal phones to access the office.

NAB had planned to transition from physical swipe cards used to access the office to a digital version, which would have required staff to download an app onto their personal phone.

Understandably, FSU members held privacy concerns around increased worker surveillance – specifically, that NAB could use information collected through the app to track your location and other information.

The FSU met with NAB to make it clear that the proposal was unacceptable. As a solution, we suggested staff could either be given a NAB work phone or be able to retain their physical swipe cards.

We're pleased to confirm that NAB has agreed to allow staff to continue using their physical swipe cards if they wish, and no one will be forced to use their personal phones. New staff will also be given the option of a swipe card.

Our union takes the issue of worker surveillance very seriously, especially as artificial intelligence and new technologies present new risks of employers tracking their employees' movements and collecting data in ways that have not previously been possible.

Have you heard about our ethical AI strategy?

When it comes to worker surveillance, the only people who are going to advocate for a more ethical and transparent adoption of AI in our industry is finance workers themselves.

That's why the FSU is leading the way through our AI campaign to call for a digital just transition.

Our roadmap calls for AI to be used in a way that:

enhances the dignity of work
shares the benefits with workers
promotes transparency and accountability
protects jobs and provides training.

Congratulations to all FSU members who were involved in this win. If you have any concerns or have a workplace issue requiring assistance, please reach out to our union at [email protected].

NAB has announced a series of significant restructures across the Business and Private…

BECOME AN FSU MEMBER TODAY.

When you join the FSU, you get access to expert workplace support whenever you need it. From pay and conditions to restructures and workplace disputes, we help you understand your rights. You'll receive representation where it’s needed and access to exclusive member benefits that add value beyond the workplace. If something isn’t right, or you simply want clarity about your options, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Latest news