One of Australia’s largest banks, ANZ, apologised after employees discovered they had lost their jobs through an automated email instructing them to return their laptops. The incident unfolded as part
of job cuts in the bank’s retail division and sparked anger among unions, who described the move as “disgusting”.
ANZ’s retail banking executive Bruce Rush admitted the handling was a mistake, saying, “It was not our intention to share such sensitive news with you in this way, and I apologise unconditionally.”
He added that the emails were sent “ahead of schedule in error” and that the bank had since halted the process, spoken to affected staff personally and held a virtual meeting to address concerns.
Read more: Italy PM Giorgia Meloni Slams Porn Site For Sharing Altered Photos Of Her: ‘I Am Disgusted’
Chief executive Nuno Matos later called the episode “indefensible” and “deeply disappointing”, promising an internal investigation.
The Financial Sector Union said the premature emails caused “panic and distress” and were the result of ANZ forcing through a “chaotic pace of change”. Union president Wendy Streets said, “Speed and cost-cutting cannot come at the expense of dignity and respect for workers.”
The controversy echoes previous corporate mishandlings of mass layoffs, including the 2021 incident when 900 staff at US mortgage firm Better were dismissed during a single Zoom call.
