Commonwealth Bank backflips on controversial axing of dozens of jobs for AI chatbot: 'Massive win for workers'
Commonwealth Bank (CBA) has revealed a stunning backflip on the controversial plan to axe dozens of jobs in favour of artificial intelligence (AI). The country's biggest bank sparked fury after becoming one of the first big-name brands to cite AI as the reason behind a slew of redundancies.
The original plan was set to see up to 90 people lose their positions, with about half of those being replaced by a new AI chatbot designed to help customers. But CBA spokesperson told Yahoo Finance there's been a slight shift in that plan.
“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," they said.
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"We have apologised to the employees concerned and acknowledge we should have been more thorough in our assessment of the roles required.
"We are also reviewing our internal processes to improve our approach going forward.”
It comes as many Aussies have mixed feelings about the new tech.
A poll of more than 1,400 Yahoo Finance readers found 40 per cent "hate" using AI at work, while 21 per cent are fearful their job will soon be replaced by it.
Only 7 per cent felt their job wouldn't be affected by AI.
Is your job being affected by AI and want to tell your story? Email stew.perrie@yahooinc.com
What is happening to CBA staff set to be axed in favour of AI?
CBA revealed that the staff set to be affected by the AI shift have been given two options.
They can either keep their job or take a voluntary redundancy.
Financial Services Union national secretary Julia Angrisano said the backflip is a common-sense move, but warned it's certainly not the time for a "victory lap" just yet.
"This is a massive win for workers, proving what can be achieved when members stand together," she 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."
While she welcomed the news, she admitted that the damage had been "already done".
Aussie companies warned over replacing workers with AI
Unions are calling for workers to have a seat at the table when businesses, big and small, want to adopt AI.
