A growing list of banks have agreed to provide special paid leave to staff to get Covid-19 vaccinations following a campaign by the Finance Sector Union.
However, many financial institutions including Commonwealth Bank, NAB and industry super funds HESTA and TWU Super have not acceded to the union’s demand for the paid leave entitlement.
A recent surge in public demand for protection against the virus has triggered a blowout in waiting times at vaccination hubs in cities across the country.
The delays have deterred many bank employees from getting vaccinated during office hours when most hubs are open.
Last month the FSU wrote to 71 financial institutions seeking special leave entitlements for financial services staff.
The union scored a breakthrough deal with Westpac earlier this week that has resulted in staff being given up to four hours paid leave for each Covid vaccination appointment.
Under the arrangement, staff who already used part of their annual or sick leave entitlement to attend a vaccination clinic will have their hours recredited.
“Staff in retail banking branches put themselves, their family and the community at risk through potential exposure to Covid-19 so we are pleased that Westpac have agreed to provide paid vaccination leave,” Ms Angrisano said.
“This is an important win for our members and all Westpac staff.”
While Westpac is the only bank that has agreed to create a special paid leave entitlement for staff to receive vaccinations, a string of other ADIs including ANZ, Police Bank and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank are also providing paid leave through informal agreements with staff.
A HESTA spokesperson defended the super fund’s decision not to meet the union’s demand for staff to be given an additional two days leave for vaccinations.
“HESTA provides our employees benefits and entitlements that are superior to those outlined in the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award 2020 and the National Employment Standards (NES),” the spokesperson said.
“HESTA employees receive a generous 15 days’ paid personal leave per year - 50 per cent greater that the entitlement in the NES.
“We fully support and encourage all HESTA employees to access either flexible work arrangements or personal leave to get vaccinated.”
The FSU is also agitating for banks to also extend additional leave to any staff who suffer side-effects after receiving a vaccine.
“The FSU commends Westpac for this policy, and we now have the expectation that all banks and finance sector organisations will soon follow.”
“We believe it is in the best interests of our members, their families and the entire community for financial services firms to step up and do their bit to make sure staff get vaccinated.”