ANZ apologises after automated email sparks false dismissal notices
ANZ Bank apologises after accidentally sending automated termination emails to retail staff, prompting union criticism and distress.
Australia's ANZ Bank has apologised to retail staff after mistakenly sending an automated email instructing them to return company laptops, a message that led employees to believe they had been dismissed.
Automated message errors spark distress
Retail Banking Executive Bruce Rush admitted the early emails were sent in error as part of ongoing job cuts in ANZ's retail division. The bank halted the notifications and is conducting individual briefings with affected staff.
Union backlash
The Financial Sector Union described the incident as "panic and distress" and blamed a "chaotic pace of change". Union president Wendy Streets criticised the lack of consultation and demanded that "speed and cost-cutting cannot come at the expense of dignity and respect for workers."
ANZ executive response
In a staff email, Mr Rush said, "It was not our intention to share such sensitive news with you in this way, and I apologise unconditionally." The bank also moved forward formal meetings to discuss roles and launched an investigation into the email mishap.
Past controversies
The episode echoes other high-profile errors, such as the 2021 incident where US mortgage firm Better controversially terminated 900 employees over Zoom, an approach later admitted to be "badly handled".
The mishandled automated notification underscores the risks of rapid job cuts and highlights the importance of clear, respectful communication during corporate change.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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