New Westpac branches must be part of natl network

For immediate release
3 December 2009

Westpac’s new branches welcome and must be part of strong national network

Bank workers’ union Finsec is welcoming Westpac’s decision to open ten new branches in the Auckland area, and says that the bank can achieve their goal of improved customer service if they retain a strong back office support system.

“We’ve always told the bank that its branch network was essential to providing service to customers and communities,” said Finsec national advocate Michael Wood. “A greater connection to customers through branches is important but we also know that good branches need the support of well-trained and well-staffed back offices.”

“Westpac is not ruling out redundancies as a result of these changes but we see no need for jobs to go,” said Wood. “We would be very concerned if the addition of new branches was accompanied by any cuts to an already lean back office network.”

“The fact is that the bank needs a good system of branches AND a properly resourced back office support network. One won’t work well without the other.”

ENDS

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