GEORGE TOWN – HSBC employees and members of the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) held a peaceful demonstration to protest the alleged human rights violations committed by the bank’s management.
More than 100 bank employees gathered for more than an hour in front of the HSBC bank building on Downing Street here today, carrying various protest posters and banners.
NUBE secretary-general J. Solomon said the peaceful demonstration was organised to protest the state government’s partnership with HSBC Bank Malaysia by signing an MoU in October last year through its subsidiary InvestPenang.
"Although the state government is aware of HSBC’s negative image and reputation globally, the state government is still continuing the joint venture,” he told reporters today.
Solomon said the peaceful demonstration was the second after the one in Johor Baru held last week, and it was expected to continue nationwide.
NUBE, he said, decided to go ahead with the protest after the bank’s management refused to hold a standing committee meeting to address the dispute resolution process in line with the provisions of the collective agreement.
“The management of HSBC Bank Malaysia has refused to resolve the issue raised by NUBE over the past three years which violates the rights and interests of NUBE members among the B40 and M40 groups.
“Among the industry disputes identified include refusing to respect Malaysian labour laws including the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1967 and insulting Muslim workers,” he said.
Solomon said HSBC Bank Malaysia was also accused of discriminating against bank employees, especially NUBE members, and violating the provisions of labour laws to control the functions and roles of NUBE.
“NUBE has no choice but to picket action as the bank has repeatedly refused to discuss with NUBE at various levels in accordance with the provisions of the spirit of harmonious enterprise relations clearly enshrined in the collective agreement between NUBE and HSBC Bank Malaysia and the Industrial Relations Act 1967.
“At the same time, they deliberately avoid negotiating to find a solution to all industry complaints and disputes raised,” he said.
Solomon said the bank's unfair and unprofessional actions involved 300 industrial disputes during the pandemic that challenged the patience and livelihoods of B40 and M40 workers.
“Such an attitude also does not reflect its position as a worldwide bank,” he added. – The Vibes, March 24, 2022
