Uncertainty denied by Minister

Press, 18 March 1988, Page 7

Uncertainty denied by Minister

By

PETER LUKE,

political reporter The Minister ( for StateOwned Enterprises, Mr Prebble, has denied that Rural Bank staff will face uncertainty over staffing changes]

The changes would mean that 75 of the bank’s 630 staff would not have jobs. Mr Prebble ) said that the bank was being reorganised ! into a “genuine stand-alone ba!nk” as a result of the Rural Banking Bill before Parliament. ! The Public Service Association had been kept fully informed about changes, and staff would be told today of their future.

“This means there will be no uncertainty.”

Staff not offered jobs would be eligible for a redeployment , package, which meant [they could apply for similar jobs in the Public Service. ■Mr Prebble said that the Government was ignoring Opposition sugges-

tions that the bank should be immediately privatised.; ”Giyen the Rural Bank’s ( balance-sheet, such a sale would be loony,” I said Mr Prebble. Mr Jim Gerard (Nat., Rangiora) j criticised the bank’s' | way! of treating staff, if the memorandum was correct.! |

Commenting on the memorandum, he said it was ah! “almost inhuman” way of treating staff. "It |is so insensitive a way to! notify staff if they have a future or not, it is almost! unbelievable.” Mr ! Gerard also questioned ) how the Rural Bank!could take this action, as the bill was not yet passed. The [ memorandum was no way to do business, said Mr Gerard. He wondered how the bank was going to continue. The [ bank was going to have to dbal with farmers under [ great stress, and | [now its I own officers) [would also be working) [under stress.