The Finance Sector Union of Australia (FSU) has called on Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) chief executive Matt Comyn to come clean and reveal his reported ‘secret plan’ to slash more than 10,000 jobs and close 300 branches.
FSU National Secretary Julia Angrisano said if the report is incorrect Matt Comyn must immediately notify the bank’s 50,000 staff that their jobs are not on the line.
“A reduction in staff and branch numbers of this magnitude would have a devastating impact on thousands of bank workers and their families around Australia,” FSU National Secretary Julia Angrisano said.
“The CBA is a highly profitable company which relies on its staff to deliver financial services to its large customer base and Matt Comyn is on the wrong track if he thinks shutting down branches and sacking staff will enhance the bank’s reputation in the community and increase profits,” she said.
In her letter to Mr Comyn, Julia Angrisano said:
“Unconfirmed speculation of this size can only lead to uncertainty and has far reaching negative impacts on employees.
“It is appropriate that you confirm or deny these reports to ensure workers know where they stand.
“Can you confirm if the CBA is currently making such plans as reported?”
“Can you confirm if the CBA plans on drastically reducing your branch network?”
“Can you confirm if the CBA has plans on reducing the branch network by approximately 300?”
Ms Angrisano said Matt Comyn and CBA Chair Catherine Livingstone were contrite and admitted the CBA’s many failings in evidence to the Hayne Royal Commission.
“However, as the CBA attempts to regain its reputation, it would be an outrageous act to now turn on staff and put thousands onto the unemployment queue,” Ms Angrisano said.
She said if the reports were correct,
