The Bendigo Bank in Australia has asked employees to take 10 days of unpaid leave over the next year.
The Finance Sector Union says urgent talks are needed, but some financial analysts say Bendigo has made a smart move and other businesses should also consider it.
An email sent to 5,000 Bendigo Bank employees on Tuesday afternoon asked them to take 10 days of unpaid leave.
The ABC reports the bank has given no assurances the action will stave off job cuts and employees have until the end of this month to decide.
The unpaid leave is expected to equate to a cut of 4% in employees' pay packets.
The ABC reports the bank has more than 400 branches nationwide, the majority in Victoria and Queensland. Its shares rose afterwards by 43 cents.
