ANZ National Bank accused of favouring overseas workers

Bank workers protesting outside an ANZ branch in August. Photo/Stephen Parker

ANZ National Bank has being accused of turning its back on New Zealanders in favour of cheap non-resident workers.

The company has made an application to the Department of Labour to review its accreditation to allow it to employ foreigners for certain roles.

Andrew Campbell from the banking sector's union Finsec, is calling on the Department of Labour to reject the bank's application. He says there are plenty of New Zealanders needing work and the bank should look in its own backyard.

Campbell says considering the bank made $1 billion profit this year, it can afford to pay New Zealanders a decent wage. He says the Department of Labour is obliged to act in the interest of New Zealand.

An ANZ spokeswoman says on rare occasions the company cannot locate suitably qualified people in New Zealand and has to look offshore.

- NEWSTALK ZB