BNZ closes Invercargill branch

BNZ closes Invercargill branch

Banks workers union Finsec says today’s confirmation by the BNZ that it will close its Dee St branch in Invercargill at the end of the week highlights the bank’s prioritisation of big profits over loyalty and service to local communities.

“We thought branch closures were a thing of the past, but BNZ has closed two South Island branches this year. The people of Invercargill will now suffer the same fate as those in Hokitika who had their branch closed earlier this year,” said Finsec Campaigns Director Andrew Campbell.

“Customer service in Invercargill will be negatively affected, there will be less direct access to banking services and there will be less BNZ staff in Invercargill as it looks like vacancies in the main branch will be in-filled by the Dee St staff moving there. That means one less branch and less staff in total,” said Campbell.

“The BNZ refused Finsec’s request to give the people of Invercargill a commitment to maintain staffing levels. We asked them yesterday to confirm that there will be no cuts to staffing numbers in the medium term and they would not give us an undertaking,” said Campbell.

“We are deeply disappointed that the BNZ refused to consult with customers about its proposal and also refused to provide workers with any real information about the financial justifications for the branch closure despite being asked to. We can only conclude that the bank is putting its massive profits before the needs of local customers and staff,’ said Campbell.

ENDS

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