The ANZ Bank's heartless decision to shut down 19 branches across Australia shows the bank no longer regards its business as an 'essential service' and does not care about its staff.
Finance Sector Union National Secretary Julia Angrisano said while many businesses were forced to shut down during last year's national Covid lockdown, banks stayed open because they were essential services for the community.
"We agree that banking is an essential service and that the public needs to be able to access face to face banking services near where they live," Ms Angrisano said.
The ANZ Bank has notified the Finance Sector Union that it is closing the following branches: Ashfield, Maroubra Junction, Erina Fair, East Maitland, Crows Nest, St Leonards, Engadine, Kiama, Chifley Square, Potts Point, Springwood, West End, Campbelltown NSW, Torquay , Reservoir, Collingwood, Hampton, Port Melbourne, Sandy Bay.
"Banks are still blaming customers for branch closures, claiming falsely that the public doesn't value branches and prefer to complete their financial transactions online."
"It is the banks which prefer to force customers online because they can reduce staff numbers, save money on wages and rents and increase profits," Ms Angrisano said.
A total of 105 bank staff will be impacted by the latest closures with many expected to be pushed out the door.
"Those ANZ Bank staff have told the Union they are shattered at the prospect of losing their jobs at a time of such uncertainty, with little prospect of getting more work," Ms Angrisano said.
"It is clear the ANZ Bank does not care about its staff or the community. Over the past year the bank has stepped up its branch closure program, putting people before profits, with hundreds of staff being thrown onto the unemployment scrapheap."
"We expect more from our most profitable financial institutions and it's time the banks stopped slashing services and sacking staff."
