Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, along with four other banks, has been called out by the Finance Sector Union for failing to explain whether they will continue to support work from home policies as a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hits Australia.
The union yesterday panned Bendigo, Bank Australia, Qudos, Bank of Us and Service One Mutual for not clarifying whether they will stand by flexible work arrangements.
The five banks were issued “red lights” by the union, while 17 other banks – including ANZ, CBA, ING, Heritage Bank and Police Bank – were given “green lights” for continuing to back work from home policies as the pandemic worsens.
The FSU assessments come after the union surveyed 30 banks and credit unions in April to test the adequacy of their respective work flexibility policies.
Although most banks confirmed their support for staff being able to work from home, the union gave “yellow lights” to Westpac and National Australia Bank, cautioning members that the two industry majors needed to improve their arrangements.
FSU National Secretary Julia Angrisano said Westpac and the NAB had working from home policies that were unclear and needed further development or clarification.
“NAB staff are telling us they’re being forced to attend the office up to two to three days a week, despite raising concerns about Covid-19 safety measures,” she said.
“Westpac staff say they don’t know how to apply to work from home and are being required to attend the office despite health concerns.
“Our members are being told it is mandatory to return to office and that if they don’t they’ll face disciplinary action.”
The union has written to the 13 banks that were given red or yellow lights seeking commitments that staff would be guaranteed opportunities to work from home during the current wave.
The list of banks allowing staff to work from home also includes Teachers Mutual Bank, Horizon Credit Union, MyState and Illawarra Credit Union.
The Reserve Bank of Australia received a yellow light after the FSU indicated that its policy for applying to work from home was not clear.