European Banking Social Partners Commit to a Sector Free from Violence and Harassment

European banking social partners have taken an important step towards safer and more respectful workplaces by signing a joint statement on preventing violence and harassment in the banking sector.

On 15 January 2026, Nordic Financial Unions (NFU) and its affiliates participated in the first banking social dialogue meeting of the year in Brussels. During the meeting, UNI Europa Finance and the European banking employer organisations – European Banking Federation (EBF), European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG) and European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB) –officially signed a joint statement on preventing violence and harassment in the workplace.

The statement addresses gender-based violence, domestic violence, third-party violence and workplace harassment, and sets out concrete measures for prevention, detection and support. It underlines employers’ primary responsibility for occupational health and safety, while recognising the crucial role of social dialogue and collective agreements in turning commitments into practice. It sets clear expectations for training, reporting procedures, victim support and flexible work arrangements when needed.

Arne Fredrik Håstein, Vice President of Finansforbundet Norway and newly elected Coordinator of the Banking Social Dialogue for UNI Europa Finance, emphasised the importance of the agreement:

 “Every person working in the European banking sector deserves a workplace that is safe, respectful and free from all forms of violence and harassment. This statement ensures that gender-sensitive approaches, risk assessments and prevention strategies are integral to workplace safety. Social dialogue works: when employers, trade unions and EU partners come together, the outcomes are stronger, more credible and more sustainable.”

Michael Budolfsen, President of NFU and UNI Europa Finance, also welcomed the agreement:

“This joint statement is a testament to the power of dialogue and cooperation. By jointly committing to these principles, we are creating workplaces where employees can thrive without fear of violence or harassment. It’s a concrete step forward for workers across Europe.”

For NFU, this is a significant achievement and a strong example of the impact of social dialogue. The next crucial step will be implementation at national, sectoral and company levels across Europe.

Read more about the joint statement on the UNI Europa’s website.