A survey conducted by the Finance Sector Union (FSU) has found widespread dissatisfaction among staff working at National Australia Bank (NAB). Staff frequently reported working unpaid overtime and attributed health problems to their workplace.
FSU conducted a survey of 1,254 employees across NAB’s workforce to establish their job satisfaction. Participants were comprised of works at grade 3 or higher—this is largely senior and management staff. FSU is now taking NAB to Federal Court over their findings.
Of those surveyed, 93 per cent said they worked more than their 38-hour contracted work week without being appropriately compensated.
In the union’s report entitled Working for Nothing, FSU details testimony from NAB staff that suggest employees are expected to work excessive hours to meet unrealistic deadlines. Employees also said that those who complained were typically punished, either through losing their job or being bullied.
FSU Secretary Julia Angrisano said the investigation into NAB had initially been to determine the amount of work employees were doing unpaid. However, they say it has now developed into concerns regarding workplace health and safety.
Many NAB employees attributed their development of health issues to their workplace’s culture. 87 per cent of respondents said they had experienced increased stress and anxiety in their workplace. 76 per cent cited loss of sleep.
Some staff said they had been hospitalised over health issues because of their workplace, from stomach ulcers to psychological distress.
“I drove my car off the road deliberately to try and have a serious enough accident to stop the insanity, but not so much to die,” one respondent told the union.
Some bank workers said they could see financial consequences if they refused to work overtime, including the loss of bonuses.
“Management turns a blind eye, so they don’t have to address workloads,” one staff member reported.
Julia Angrisano said the demands made of NAB workers were “unjust, coerced and dehumanising”.
“It is unacceptable that members are being bullied into working up to 70 hours a week without being paid, to meet the excessive demands of their employer,” said Ms Angrisano.
“[NAB] does not expect colleagues to be working unreasonable additional hours,” said a NAB spokesperson.
“We take seriously any instance where workload impacts a colleague’s health and life outside work.”
