According to information, Elliniki invites the unions to consult in view of the implementation of the transformation plan, which, among other things, includes further closure of branches, automation of procedures and digitization of the bank.
The move follows statements by the bank's chief executive, Oliver Gatzke, about the challenges facing the bank and the banking system as a whole in terms of compressed profitability combined with the cost side.
He had stated that the bank intends to proceed with 300 to 350 surpluses this year, due to the implementation of the bank's transformation plan, which aims to ensure that the bank will remain competitive in the long run.
The bank is trying to cope with the rising cost-to-income ratio, as interest rates continue to fall due to continued leverage and low interest rates as a result of the ECB's monetary policy. At the same time, the reduction in the number of stores in combination with the implementation of automation puts pressure on the number of staff.
Based on the bank's financial results for 2021, the cost-to-income ratio rose to 73% (67% in 2020), with staff expenses amounting to € 133,7 million and corresponding to 51% of its total expenses. group.
The challenges faced by the bank, and in particular in terms of costs, had been mentioned by the AED of Hellenic in a recent message to staff.
"Once again we reiterated the challenges facing the Bank and the urgent need to reduce the very high cost-benefit ratio in order to remain viable in the medium and long term," Gatzke said in a statement. This is not a sudden decision of the bank, but it is also a requirement of the Regulatory Authorities, which we have repeatedly and in full detail communicated to ETYK, in the last six months ".
Based on the annual financial report, the group employed 2021 people at the end of 2.760 and the bank 2.617 people.
SOURCE: CIPE