News

In today’s economic climate, we see the whole financial system in the international spotlight. Workers in banks have never been more concerned about the precarious nature of their work. The public and politicians are engaged, scrutinizing the operations of banks more than ever before.

In countries where bank employees are unionised, workers enjoy basic protections and the right to collective bargaining. With a union, employees have been able to win better pay, more time off, respect on the job and increased job stability.

For example, in England, despite the global economic downturn, workers at a Santander subsidiary won 21 to 31 vacation days, a 2.3 percent salary increase for most workers and additional pay for early or late hours in their latest contract negotiations. In Brazil, unionised workers are entitled to profit sharing, all overtime is paid at 150 percent, a standard work day is six hours and workers are entitled to take paid leave for a range of personal reasons such as adopting a child or caring for sick children or other relatives. In Spain, Santander workers’ pay increased 2.5 percent every year from 2007 to 2010, workers are entitled to profit sharing and all staff are entitled to 30 days of paid vacation.

Around the world, Santander workers are coming together to demand that Santander respect its employees no matter where they work and provide the same level of benefits to all its employees. Workers are calling on Santander to provide its employees fair treatment and better working conditions in every branch worldwide.

A global petition has been launched that demands Santander sign a global agreement with its employees, guaranteeing them those rights. Workers in countries such as Brazil, the UK, Portugal, the USA, Germany and Colombia have collected more than 11,000 signatures.

Now is the time to get involved, to act and to be a part of a better life for all bank workers everywhere!