900 Westpac bank workers across Aotearoa to walk off job demanding better pay

Almost 900 Westpac workers across Aotearoa will walk off the job on Wednesday afternoon demanding better pay. 

First Union members have been in pay negotiations with Westpac for five months seeking a "meaningful wage increase" above the cost of living.

First Union says the progress has stalled and the bank's position has not improved.  

As a result, members across the motu will strike for two hours from 12pm to 2pm, with full-day industrial action in certain stores around the country. 

"Workers voted to hold a national strike for two hours, as well as a social media strike and other walkouts in individual workplaces. A picket will be held outside Westpac's head office building on Takutai Square in Auckland," said a First Union spokesperson.

First Union organiser Bill Bradford told AM's Ryan Bridge Westpac has been "really tight" when paying their employees. 

A Westpac spokesperson said the bank is mindful of the increasing cost of living and the financial impact on its employees. 

The bank has offered a 7 percent pay increase over an 18-month period, which it says "is above the forecast inflation track".

But Westpac employee Ahmed Sieed said the offer is "insulting".

"We think it's insulting and regressive for a $1 billion bank, who we have carried through thick and twisted times."

Sieed said the bank is failing to provide its employees with financial resilience "so that we're able to balance the price pressures that everybody faces in the economy at the moment".

The Westpac spokesperson said its offer also includes a one-off cash payment of about $1000, before tax.

"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."

Sieed told Bridge depending on how negotiations go he may look for a job at another bank. 

Westpac said while union members have voted in favour of rejecting its offer, they still "represent a minority of our overall workforce".

But Bradford disagrees. While he acknowledges First Union members are the minority in the company, he said: "Some people aren't in the Union. It doesn't mean to say that they're happy".

When asked if Sieed had a message for Westpac's chief executive, he said: "While we care for your customers, we hope you don't lose sight of your employees".

Westpac said it has plans in place across the business to minimise any disruption for customers. 

"We thank them for their understanding."

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