EBF-BCESA: Joint Declaration on Employment Aspects of Providing Financial Services including Guidance

PRESS RELEASE

EBF-BCESA: Joint Declaration on Employment Aspects of Providing Financial Services including Guidance

BRUSSELS, 12 May – The Joint Declaration on Employment Aspects of Providing Financial Services Including Guidance has been signed by the social partners in the European Banking Sector.

EBF’s Banking Committee for European Social Affairs (EBF-BCESA) along with European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG) and European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB) signed the Joint Declaration with UNI Europa Finance.

In the current COVID-19 crisis banks and its employees play a critical role in providing financial services to all areas of the economy.

“With this new Joint Declaration, the Social Partners of the banking sector introduce a framework and acknowledge good practices for providing sustainable financial services to the citizens of Europe, in and after the COVID crisis”, says Jens Thau, Chairman of EBF-BCESA.

The European Banking sector continues to be a key actor in ensuring stable markets, supporting job creation and stimulating growth and development. Consequently, Social Partners agreed that one of the main functions of financial institutions is to provide reliable and sustainable financial services to support long-term social and economic development for the benefit of Europe.

With full respect to the areas of competence of the social partners at the various and appropriate levels, the Joint Declaration highlights the employment and social aspects of providing financial services, within both the EU and national legislative frameworks and the multiple financial services strategies applicable in Europe’s various banking institutions.

„The Joint Declaration promotes an accurate implementation of the various banking strategies at the employee/client interface”, says Michael Kammas, Vice-Chairman of EBF-BCESA.

In addition to information, training and awareness-raising activities, respecting of professional values, sustainability, data protection and regulatory compliance are addressed in the Joint Declaration as key items to achieve these goals while acknowledging the fundamental role of leadership and management as essential.

This Joint Declaration is another important evidence of the European Social Partners‘ initiative to promote the common goal of securing and enhancing the important role of the banking sector, to strengthen the overall reputation and trust towards the banking industry and to enhance visibility of the crucial role of employees to achieve these goals.

About the EBF:

The European Banking Federation is the voice of the European banking sector, bringing together national banking associations from across Europe. The EBF is committed to a thriving European economy that is underpinned by a stable, secure and inclusive financial ecosystem, and to a flourishing society where financing is available to fund the dreams of citizens, businesses and innovators everywhere. Website: www.ebf.eu Twitter: @EBFeu.

Media contact:

Raymond Frenken, Head of Communications

+32 496 52 59 47, r.frenken@ebf.eu