An automated email gave employees an 'exit date' before they were told about a decision on their employment
An automated email mishap at ANZ Bank mistakenly gave some employees an "exit date" before they were formally notified of potential changes to their employment.
The email error, which affected senior employees at the bank, was confirmed by ANZ to HRD on Thursday.
"Unfortunately some senior employees in Australia received automated emails prior to being informed of potential changes to their employment," an ANZ spokesperson told HRD.
"We are committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect, particularly when implementing changes to our organisational structure. We deeply regret the mistake made and have apologised unconditionally to our staff impacted"
"We deeply regret the mistake made and have apologised unconditionally to our staff impacted."
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Bruce Rush, interim retail bank chief executive, who the news outlet said did not send the automated emails, also wrote to staff to apologise.
"It was not our intention to share such sensitive news with you in this way, and I apologise unconditionally," Rush said in the message quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Unfortunately, these emails indicate an exit date for some of our colleagues before we've been able to share their outcome with them.
"I deeply regret the distress this situation may have caused. Please know we are committed to treating every colleague with dignity and respect as we move through this process."
'ANZ must do better'
Finance Sector Union President Wendy Streets slammed the incident and said the union had not been briefed on the case.
"This is a disgusting way for workers to learn about job cuts — through a botched email instead of a respectful conversation," Streets told HRD in a statement. "It's devastating for staff and their families to be treated this way. ANZ must do better."
The FSU said they wrote to ANZ requesting an urgent briefing but has yet to receive a response.
It blamed the incident on the "chaotic pace of change" forced by ANZ CEO Nuno Matos, urging the bank to immediately halt its current approach and ensure that changes are communicated properly.
"Speed and cost-cutting cannot come at the expense of dignity and respect for workers," Streets added.
