The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has stressed that unrealistic targets by employers remain a major problem confronting workers in the sector.

The union said the challenge of meeting unrealistic targets creates pressure, affects performance and ultimately leads to job losses.

Acting President of ASSBIFI, Nike Joseph, during an interview, said the association was actively engaging institutions on the issue, while also supporting its members to improve and meet expectations.

According to her, it is a balance of protecting jobs while encouraging performance.

On banks’ recapitalisation, Joseph said the move has strengthened the banks, improved stability across the financial sector and raised market confidence.

The ASSBIFI boss said that, though there have been no reported cases linked directly to recapitalisation, the union is watching closely and monitoring developments across the sector.

On contract staffing, Joseph said it stemmed from the part of the Labour Act that allows volunteerism.

However, she said, the union is working with the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees (NUBIFIE) to ensure that people who are on contracts can be unionised.

“They would have a voice. The fact that you are on contract does not mean that you cannot organise yourself. So they should be given a career path. Along the line, they will be integrated. That is our fight. And we are not even doing it alone. We have taken it to the Ministry of Labour and we are working with them to ensure that this comes to pass,” she said.