This
is a bold initiative
to form alliances
and fight for
a global agreement
with two multinational
banking giants—HSBC
and Santander—both
of which have
greatly expanded
their operations
in recent years
to span the
globe.
As these banks
expand into
countries where
the corporate
culture and
legal environment
do not respect
or enforce human
rights and/or
the right to
freedom of association,
it becomes ever
more important
that they ensure
these rights
are applied
and respected
across their
operations.
Inconsistencies
in labour practices
by the banks
will not escape
the watchful
eyes of UNI
Global Union’s
network of Finance
unions. The
UNI Finance
global campaign
has been formed
as a result
of the banks’
behavior and
double standards
in denying workers
these rights.
HSBC
has vigorously
opposed the
efforts of
its employees
in the U.S.
to choose
a union, something
that would
not be tolerated
or accepted
in most of
the markets
in which the
corporation
operates.
Such behavior
is at odds
with many
of their commitments,
including
the rules
concerning
freedom of
association
embodied within
the Equator
Principles.
“All
Santander
and HSBC workers
throughout
the world
should have
the right
to join a
union without
opposition
from the employer,
and to be
treated with
fairness and
respect,”
stated Philip
Jennings,
General Secretary
of UNI Global
Union. “These
banks should
be leaders
in all respects.
They should
promote and
practice ‘good
values’.
A global agreement
with both
of these banks
would help
ensure union
rights and
raise standards
in the banking
industry.”
HSBC,
based in London
and Hong Kong,
is one of
the world’s
largest banking
and financial
services organizations,
with operations
in 88 countries
in Europe,
the Americas,
Asia and Africa.
As of press
time, HSBC
continues
to decline
requests for
a meeting
with UNI Global
Union.
“Workers
at HSBC want
the company
to respect
union rights
and provide
fair pay and
benefits at
all its locations
all over the
world,”
said Oliver
Roethig of
UNI Finance
Global Union.
“However,
the bank’s
refusal to
meet with
UNI Global
Union sends
a strong message
that workers’
rights are
not a priority
for HSBC.”
Santander,
the second
largest bank
in the world,
is headquartered
in Spain.
The bank is
increasingly
a global leader
in the finance
industry with
an important
position in
the Americas,
in addition
to traditional
operations
in Europe.
Santander
has begun
to have local
conversations
with unions
regarding
the unions’
concerns.
“We
are pleased
that Santander
has agreed
to engage
in conversation
with us,”
said Rita
Berlofa, head
of the Sao
Paulo Bank
Workers’
Union. “This
is a good
start, and
we are hopeful
that we will
soon begin
serious discussions
that will
lead to the
signing of
a global agreement
to address
our concerns
and help guarantee
the bank’s
commitments
to social
responsibility
and labor
rights.”
