Australian banks advise employees to work from home on January 29
An NSW rail worker strike is expected on January 29, but it shouldn’t cause worry to employees who commute to the Sydney CBD to get to work. Australia’s biggest banks have advised their staff to work from home.
Working from home is an option for workers to avoid chaotic roads. Another option that companies have advised was to get a cab.
A strike could cost much with amount forecasts up to more than $100 million. Australian companies are already making some early plans. Some offer allowances to use Uber or Taxi services, while others encourage employees to stay at home.
Among those confirmed to be encouraging working from home on January 29 are ANZ and Westpac. A spokesperson for ANZ said that the company will ensure that staff members are not left out of pocket for further transport-related expenses they may incur.
The ANZ spokesperson added that they have flexible work options like working from home or working from a different work location. Westpac has “flexible working arrangements” in place, too.
The bank also does not require staff to be physically present in the office on January 29. It said that its arrangements would let employees work from home if they are unable to make it to the workplace or “if doing so would disrupt family or carer's responsibilities.” Finder’s over 100 staff is reportedly encouraged to work from home, too.
According to Union NSW Secretary Alex Claassens, a strike was still likely after a resolution has not been reached with Transport for NSW bosses. Transport Minister Andrew Constance met with unions on Friday.
Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, a spokesperson for Greens NSW MP and Transport, said that the concerns of train drivers needed to be listened to. “Transport workers deserve much better than to be scapegoated by this Government for their lack of investment in our trains and required staff,” News.com.au reports her as saying.
Faruqi added that they support transport workers’ right to take industrial action and to strike “if that is what it takes to bring this government into a genuine negotiation.” Claassens said workers are asking for fair working conditions and wages.
Unions NSW boss Mark Morey said it should have never arrived at this stage. He assured that he would continue with the negotiations over the weekend.