Qld: Bank staff protest closures, queues and job cuts

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2001
Qld: Bank staff protest closures, queues and job cuts

BRISBANE, Dec 13 AAP - Up to 1,000 bank staff were expected to march in Brisbane today
as part of nationwide action protesting against branch closures, staff cuts and declining
customer service.

Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) general secretary Grace Grace (Grace Grace) said
workers from Westpac, ANZ and the National Australia Bank (NAB) would rally at Brisbane's
Roma Street Forum at 12.30pm.

They would then form "Brisbane's longest bank queue" in a march to Anzac Square, near
the state headquarters of major banks, she said.

Workers are protesting against increased workloads and job insecurity after the closure
of 310 branches in Queensland in the past five years.

Finance Sector Union state secretary Michael Clifford said the rallies and a 24-hour
strike were timed to coincide with the annual general meetings of Westpac and National
Australia banks today.

"Across Queensland, people are either going to be striking for 24 hours or for a half
day," Mr Clifford told AAP.

"In Brisbane and surrounding areas we are asking members to stop work in time to attend
the rally."

Sydney FSU members who worked for the ANZ would rally tomorrow when the bank held its
annual general meeting, Mr Clifford said.

AAP rad/las/br

KEYWORD: BANKS QLD

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