The tragic incident has ignited widespread outrage among bankers, who point to the demanding work culture at financial institutions like Bank of America as a contributing factor. In the aftermath, professionals have openly condemned the intense demands placed on workers. The New York Post reports that Bank of America (BAC) staff members have targeted Gary Howe, co-head of the Financial Institutions Group, with some discussing a possible walkout to negotiate better working conditions. Despite the outcry, Bank of America has indicated it does not intend to pursue action against Howe or address complaints regarding the grueling schedules of its junior bankers.
A spokesperson for the bank expressed sorrow over Lukenas’ death, stating, “We are very saddened by the loss of our teammate. We continue to do whatever we can to support the family and our team, especially those who worked closely with him,” as quoted by NY Post. Lukenas is survived by a wife and two young children. His commitment to his job has led many on to connect his untimely death to a prevailing culture that, they argue, prioritizes profits over employee well-being. This incident has reignited a longstanding debate over a bank’s duty to protect the health and safety of its employees.