Commonwealth Bank Reverses Decision to Cut Call Centre Jobs for AI Chatbot
9News
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Details
- Date Published
- 19 Aug 2025
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 20 Aug 2025, 02:30 pm
Description
<p>The CBA posted an annual profit of $10.25 billion but still planned to cut jobs.</p>
Summary
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) reversed its decision to cut 45 call centre jobs, initially intended to be replaced by an AI chatbot, following intervention by the Finance Sector Union and a Fair Work Commission dispute. This move spotlights the tension between AI-driven efficiencies and job security, highlighting the need for discussions on technology integration in financial services. Although this decision primarily concerns employment and corporate strategy, it underscores the broader conversation about responsible AI deployment. The article's focus is on industrial relations rather than existential AI safety threats, making it of moderate interest to AI policy regarding ethical workforce management.
Body
Commonwealth Bank will reverse its decision to cut 45 call centre jobs to make room for an AI chatbot.Australia's biggest bank, which posted an annual profit of $10.25 billion, last month said dozens of roles would be impacted following an investment in AI which it said would make it "easier and faster" for customers to get help.The Finance Sector Union (FSU) today said CBA had decided against the job cuts and would instead offer staff the option of staying in their roles or taking voluntary redundancy.READ MORE:Albanese claps back at Netanyahu as relations hit brink of collapseCommonwealth Bank last month said 45 jobs would be "impacted" after an investment in an AI chatbot.(Wayne Taylor)However the FSU said the damage was "already done" for the 45 workers who have been unsure if they would remain employed at CBA.The reversal comes after a dispute which was heard by the Fair Work Commission."This is a massive win for workers, proving what can be achieved when members stand together – but let's be clear, this is no victory lap," FSU national secretary Julia Angrisano said."CBA has been caught out trying to dress up job cuts as innovation. Using AI as a cover for slashing secure jobs is a cynical cost-cutting exercise, and workers know it."Our members want to be part of the conversation about how new technology is used in banking. They want secure jobs today and the training needed for the jobs of the future, not to be discarded under the guise of efficiency."READ MORE:Man who attacked baby with hot coffee remains free in China one year onCommonwealh Bank has made a major investment in AI.(Commonwealth Bank)The FSU is also representing workers impacted by CBA allegedly offshoring hundreds of jobs.A spokesperson for CBA said the initial decision to cut 45 roles was an "error"."CBA's initial assessment that the 45 roles in our Customer Service Direct business were not required did not adequately consider all relevant business considerations and this error meant the roles were not redundant," the spokesperson said."We have apologised to the employees concerned and acknowledge we should have been more thorough in our assessment of the roles required."We are currently supporting affected employees and have provided them with choice regarding continuing in their current roles, pursuing redeployment within CBA or to proceed with leaving the organisation."We are also reviewing our internal processes to improve our approach going forward."CBA made the landmark decision to inform the FSU that AI was the reason for the redundancies announced last month.However the bank denied any jobs would be sent offshore.A CBA spokesperson also said some impacted staff would have been transitioned into open roles.The initial group of 45 roles make up a small percentage of CBA's 38,000-strong workforce.CBA also slashed 164 jobsfrom its technology division in March.9news.com.au has contacted CBA for a comment.DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on theApple App StoreandGoogle Play.