Bank workers walk out

Thousands of ANZ and National Bank staff are taking industrial action today to push for the same compensation for evening and weekend work as their Australian counterparts.

The 3700 workers from about 300 branches were holding stop-work meetings this morning to discuss further action, union Finsec said.

The action also involved a strike at most branches, Finsec spokesman Stephen Day said.

"We're not expecting to close any branches but it's more an indication of the numbers and the strength of support that we've got from members," he said.

The bank had bought in casual staff today and managers would staff the front desks.

"It's not meant to be something that's hurting customers but it's probably going to be causing queues and delays."

About 10 per cent of branches closed on April 8 when staff held a series of stop-work meetings.

"So we would expect something similar."

The workers were concerned that following last year's merger, the Australian-owned ANZ National was giving preferential treatment to its Australian staff, Mr Day said.

"Australian workers get compensated if they work weekends whereas here National Bank workers don't."

There was a large turnout of workers at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre this morning.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they vote to continue to strike for the rest of the day and they might also take an action by marching down to Featherston Street where the ANZ building is."

It was important weekend work was recognised and at present National Bank staff, new workers and sections such as processing and call centres received no compensation, he said.

"If you want to spend time with your family and your children then it's normally the weekend, otherwise they're at school.

"If staff have to work weekend they want to be compensated because they are giving up important social time."

There was also a movement towards some branches opening on Saturdays, particularly in the Auckland area, Mr Day said.

The ANZ National Bank collective contract is the largest private sector negotiation in New Zealand.

- NZPA