Almost 900 FIRST Union members have voted in favour of taking nationwide strike action against Westpac Bank starting this Wednesday.
FIRST Union organiser, Bill Bradford, says the bank makes huge profits but salary increases being offered don't even cover workers' cost of living increases.
Bradford spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
A Westpac NZ spokesperson has responded to this story:
We are aware of planned industrial action and are awaiting further details from First Union. We remain open to constructive discussion with the union on a resolution.
We have plans in place across the business to minimise any disruption for customers, and we thank them for their understanding.
We are mindful of the increasing cost of living and the financial impact on our employees. Our offer of a 7% pay increase over 18 months is above the forecast inflation track, and on top of that we’re also offering a one-off cash payment. We believe our remuneration compares favourably to other employers in the financial services sector and includes a range of attractive benefits for all employees, such as a market-leading one week of wellbeing leave on top of annual leave, discounted banking, competitive superannuation and subsidised health insurance.
While we acknowledge union members have voted in favour of rejecting Westpac’s offer, this still represents a minority of our overall workforce.
