Finsec backs unemployed workers’ message to banks

Finsec backs unemployed workers’ message to banks

Bank workers’ union Finsec is supporting today’s action by unemployed workers to show the human face of unemployment.

“The banks need to show compassion to the jobless,” said Finsec General Secretary Andrew Casidy. “Bank economists and their employers need to be made accountable for comments like unemployment levels being “artificially low” – and they will be held accountable today by a ‘moving’ protest through the streets of Wellington.”

“Westpac, ANZ and BNZ are some of our biggest, most wealthy employers but they do little for those who need help the most whilst at the same time pay outrageously high salaries to their CEOs,” said Andrew Casidy. “If they want to retain any credibility with their customers or the wider community, the banks need to show an interest in Kiwi employment.”

“They can show this through their own employment practices, by investing in jobs when their profits are rising and not sending jobs offshore. They can also show this to their ordinary customers with fair interest rates.”

“They can also start to recognise the human cost of unemployment,” said Casidy. “Bank economists need to start living in the real world and see what job losses do to families, communities AND our economy.”

ENDS

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