Banco La Nación Argentina (BNA) and UNI Global Union sign a global agreement on workers’ rights

On August 24th UNI Global Union and the Banco La Nación Argentina have signed a global agreement that strengthens labour relations and workers’ rights throughout the bank’s operations. The agreement, announced during the UNI Finance Global Conference, reaffirms policies of inclusion and against discrimination, guarantees the right to form or join a union for all workers, and addresses key issues related to digitalization in the sector.

It covers the banks 17,713 workers, not only in Argentina but also in the United States, Spain, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and China – countries where it operates through branches, agencies, sub-agencies, a customer service centre and a representative office.

Silvina Batakis, President of the National Bank, said that this agreement “provides a real regulatory framework to the world of finance which today is a global and complex world and therefore needs clear operating rules in defence of all bank and insurance workers.”

The agreement establishes standards against sexual and labour harassment as well as support for victims of such harassment, and it also creates a mechanism to for UNI and the bank to address reported breeches of union and labour rights. Also, in terms of digitalization, it promotes social dialogue to help protection against online violence and harassment, the development of digital skills for workers, the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, among other issues.

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, said: “This agreement lays a solid foundation for the application of regulations regarding labour, union, and digital rights to strengthen workplaces, not only in Argentina but in all countries where the National Bank operates.”

UNI Global Union represents more than 20 million service sector workers worldwide. It has signed over 50 global agreements, which secure and enforce the rights of workers, with leading company across various industries which cover more than 14 million workers.