NEW YORK, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Bank of America tellers say new automated teller machines that connect customers to tellers via video screens may result in job losses.
A number of Bank of America tellers in New York staged a protest this week of the installation of one of the new ATMs in Manhattan, ABC News reported.
Bank of America says the ATM "combines the technology of an ATM with the human touch of a teller" by connecting customers with tellers at a U.S.-based call center.
The video function is available for extended hours and on Sundays, when bank branches are closed.
"Part of my job is building strong relationships and being able to recommend quality products," Alex Shalom, a Bank of America teller, told ABCNews.com. "I don't think you can do that through a video screen when you're never going to know the customer and the customer will never know you."
Bank of America has installed 150 the machines in 61 U.S. locations, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New York and Charlotte, N.C.
Tara Burke, a spokeswoman for Bank of America, said the ATMs will not replace tellers in bank branches.
She said customer reviews of the machines have been positive so far.
"They like the additional non-traditional banking hours. They like the live interaction with the teller," she said.
