Commonwealth banks on sackings

Commonwealth Bank workers will now put the issues of job 
security and services to shareholders after management slammed 
the door on negotiations. Finance Sector Union Assistant National 
Secretary, Sharron Caddie, will move a Commonwealth Bank AGM 
resolution calling for future restructures to go before 
shareholders in a bid to stop slash and burn policies that have 
cost 20,000 jobs and shut more than 600 branches.

Workers are annoyed at last year's "Which new bank?" re-structure 
which proposed axing another 3700 jobs, while claiming to promote 
excellent service and staff morale.

During a national strike in July over staffing levels, relief 
structures, work targets and pay rates, staff voted for 
shareholder activism.

The David Murray-led bank responded by increasing wage rates by 
four percent without consultation and refusing to negotiate on 
any claims put forward by staff.

Sharron Caddie says the bank has treated employees and EBA 
negotiations with contempt.

"During negotiations management thanked us for our presentations 
and said no to every single aspect of our claim", Ms Caddie said. 
"Federal industrial relations rules don't require good faith 
bargaining so the Commonwealth doesn't negotiate in good faith.

"Eighty seven percent of employees believe lack of staff is the 
most important issue confronting them.

"David Murray has lied to the extent he said he would listen and 
he's failed to provide them with the very things they have said 
are fundamental to providing good service and having a good day 
at work", Ms Caddie said.