Sudden Dismissal After 25 Years at Work... Why It Shocked Even Her Colleagues

After Introducing AI Chatbots, Commonwealth Bank of Australia Cuts Staff
"AI Cannot Fully Replace Human Work," Bank Admits Misjudgment

The story of Catherine Sullivan (63), a bank employee who had worked at Commonwealth Bank in Australia for 25 years and was dismissed this past July, has caused a stir. What drew particular attention was the fact that, prior to her dismissal, she had unknowingly been training an AI chatbot that would ultimately replace her own work.

The story of an Australian Commonwealth Bank employee who unknowingly trained an AI chatbot and was subsequently fired is gaining attention (photo used for article illustration and unrelated to the content). Pixabay

According to Australian media outlet News.com on the 4th (local time), Sullivan recalled that she and her colleagues were "deeply shocked" when they received notice of their dismissal, saying, "We felt like we were just numbers." At the time, the bank was not facing any financial difficulties. In the fiscal year before the layoffs, Commonwealth Bank had recorded massive profits of 10.25 billion Australian dollars, equivalent to approximately 9.3 trillion Korean won.

One of Sullivan's final tasks was to write and test answers for the AI chatbot. She said she never imagined this process would ultimately take away her job.

Subsequently, the bank admitted that the dismissals were a mistake and offered reinstatement to the affected employees. This was because it became clear that AI could not fully replace the work of employees. A spokesperson for Commonwealth Bank stated, "We initially determined that 45 roles were unnecessary, but that was a misjudgment," adding, "We are supporting the affected employees and will improve our approach going forward."

However, Sullivan declined the bank's offer to return and chose to retire. She pointed out that the roles she was offered were different from her previous work and did not guarantee job security.

Despite this incident, Commonwealth Bank's adoption of AI continues. Recently, the bank's CEO announced a partnership with OpenAI, signaling plans to use AI to combat fraud and financial crime.

Regarding this case, Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock emphasized that companies need to invest more in education and training for workers affected by AI.