FSU calls for better conditions for Acenda employees

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist

19 June 2026

The Finance Sector Union (FSU) has intensified its calls for Acenda to improve working arrangements for staff after the release of a new enterprise agreement which the union says contained several cuts to entitlements.

The agreement, which – according to the union – comes in the wake of multiple rounds of job cuts affecting approximately 280 roles at the life insurer since the merger of MLC Life and Resolution Life in late 2025, would see only 47 per cent of Acenda staff guaranteed a pay rise, reduced Rostered Day Off (RDO) entitlements, and no guaranteed work from home or hybrid work arrangements.

New staff would also be purportedly worse off than existing staff when it comes to long service leave and redundancy provisions.

“Acenda was once the industry leader in its flexible work arrangements and attracted staff from the regions with the promise that they could work from home,” the union’s National Secretary, Julia Angrisano, said.

“Now those same staff are going to be forced to choose between arduous commutes or leaving the business.

“This will in turn make it harder to attract top talent and ultimately dilute outcomes for customers, many of whom turn to Acenda for help after the loss of a family member.

“Acenda’s workforce is better than the value the company is placing on them and they deserve an agreement that reflects the reality of the modern workplace.”

The FSU said it has encouraged staff to vote against the enterprise and called on management to collaborate with staff and the union on an improved offer.

A spokesperson from Acenda told Financial Newswire that the FSU’s statements do not “accurately reflect” the life insurer’s proposed enterprise agreement.

“Our proposed agreement has been developed following a comprehensive and good faith bargaining process, including extensive engagement with employees through multiple information sessions and feedback channels,” they said.

“The proposal put to employees reflects a balance of fair and competitive outcomes for our people, and the long-term sustainability of the business. It includes defined pay increases, ongoing annual remuneration reviews, and retains redundancy entitlements for existing employees.

“Flexible working remains a core part of how we operate. Our policies have not changed and continue to support flexibility, while also ensuring our people have opportunities for connection, development and collaboration needed to perform at their best.”