CBA takes heat over social media policy
(4 February 2010 – Australia) The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) is to review its draconian social media policy after being chastised by the Finance Sector Union (FSU), which said it was unreasonable.
The policy, which came into effect on 1 December 2010, states that CBA employees cannot 'comment on, post or store any information about Bank related matters ... disparage or speak adversely about the Group, its customers, employees or contractors (including supporting others who do this by associating with them online)'.
The FSU has written a letter to CBA claiming that the new policy restricts employees in a way which is discriminatory, restricts freedom of expression, and contradicts employees' protections afforded by the Fair Work Act 2009.
'A conversation about the colour of the tea cups at the workplace; who is winning the footy tipping competition or what day of the week CBA employees are permitted to wear casual clothes are examples of conversations that would constitute a breach of the policy as it is currently worded,' it said in the letter.
The CBA is to reconsider its policy following the FSU's action.
Adnews, an online publication, said the Bank had received correspondence from the FSU and a meeting has been arranged to discuss their concerns.
"The Bank will amend the policy, where it is considered reasonable to do so to ensure that all of its staff continue to be treated fairly.'
The FSU has asked the bank to stop implementing the policy until its concerns are addressed.
The FSU has written a letter to CBA claiming that the new policy restricts employees in a way which is discriminatory, restricts freedom of expression, and contradicts employees' protections afforded by the Fair Work Act 2009.
'A conversation about the colour of the tea cups at the workplace; who is winning the footy tipping competition or what day of the week CBA employees are permitted to wear casual clothes are examples of conversations that would constitute a breach of the policy as it is currently worded,' it said in the letter.
The CBA is to reconsider its policy following the FSU's action.
Adnews, an online publication, said the Bank had received correspondence from the FSU and a meeting has been arranged to discuss their concerns.
"The Bank will amend the policy, where it is considered reasonable to do so to ensure that all of its staff continue to be treated fairly.'
The FSU has asked the bank to stop implementing the policy until its concerns are addressed.
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