The trade union federation representing workers in the finance industry across Europe has signed a historic agreement to ensure that bank workers do not suffer from the rapid expansion of digital technologies in the sector.
UNI Europa Finance joined together with EU-level banking sector employers (the European Banking Federation Banking Committee for European Social Affairs, the European Association of Co-operative Banks and the European Savings and Retail Banking Group) to sign a joint European social partner declaration on the impact of digitalisation on employment in the sector.
“This is a milestone moment for banking sector workers across Europe,” said Pia Desmet, UNI Europa Finance Vice President in charge of social dialogue. “Look what can be achieved when social partners come together: progress for our workers, a positive working environment and a secure banking sector for the future.”
The declaration affirms the key importance of continuous training and lifelong learning to maintain and develop the crucial skills workers need today, and of ensuring these skills are future-proof, as well as providing healthy working conditions and an appropriate work-life balance in the digital age.
UNI Europa Finance encourages the banking sector at national, multinational and company level to take up the joint declaration’s recommendations. Their implementation will be monitored by a committee that will meet at least once a year.