The union faction “Proposition for Prospect” strongly condemns the management of the National Bank for its unacceptable stance towards employees, despite the impressive profitability it is recording. The bank’s profits amounted to €1.2 billion in 2023 and €358 million in just the first quarter of 2024, yet it is implementing numerous anti-labor measures. Instead of paying thousands of owed overtime hours to employees, the management plans to distribute €332 million in dividends to shareholders and €20.5 million in bonuses to its top executives.
The bank is moving forward with its remuneration policy, announcing proposed unacceptable changes to the most important articles of the labor regulations and refusing to include in the labor regulations and collective agreements dozens of low-paid colleagues from cooperative banks, IKY, children of deceased colleagues, subsidiaries, freelance contractors, etc., who have been held hostage for years. It also increases the targets and pressure on the network in the middle of summer and holidays, with staff shortages leading to terrifying intensification of work.
At the same time, the National Bank exploits the new law on six-day workweeks, imposing even stricter terms and working conditions. The six-day workweek law, which allows employers to require employees to work six days a week, creates a suffocating framework for everyday work life.
The employees responded with militant mobilization and call for a gathering at Kotzia Square on Thursday, July 25 at 16:00, during the General Assembly of the National Bank’s Shareholders. They demand the inclusion of colleagues from cooperative banks, IKY, children of deceased colleagues, subsidiaries, etc., in the labor regulations, mass hiring, and salary increases.
“Proposition for Prospect” calls on all employees to send a massive message of resistance to the bank’s management and the silent unionists who refuse to advocate and mobilize. On the day of the shareholders’ General Assembly, employees will be on the streets, demanding justice and dignity in their workplace.
