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Our Ref: PS/01/2005
October 19, 2005
To the Editor
All Print/Electronic Media
PRESS STATEMENT
NUBE REJECTS RETRENCHMENT OF BANK WORKERS
We refer to the press statement which appeared in the Ututsan Malaysia today, 19.10.2005 captioned " BCF dibenar henti pekerja".
On 21.9.2005, NUBE wrote a letter to Bank Negara Malaysia in regards to the proposed merger between BCB and BCF requesting Bank Negara Malaysia to put on hold the merger as we heard rumours that the Bank intends to retrench employees of BCF.
To date, we have not received any reply from Bank Negara Malaysia. The letter was sent to Bank Negara Malaysia since Bank Negara assured us in the late 90's that there would be no retrenchment of bank workers as a result of mergers/acquisitions. In light of this assurance, NUBE has extended cooperation throughout the merger and acquisition exercise in maintaining good industrial harmony in the Banking Sector as well as the financial well being of the nation as a whole.
The statement in the Utusan Malaysia today, 19.10.2005 captioned " BCF dibenar henti pekerja" only proves that Bank Negara Malaysia has not only gone against this assurance but also acted beyond their jurisdiction by approving retrenchment in BCF.
NUBE stresses that the Bank is bound by the MCBA/NUBE Collective Agreement currently in force which has been given cognizance by the Industrial Court and that there is no provision for retrenchment in the Collective Agreement.
Further, the role of Bank Negara Malaysia is only as a "regulator" and has no authority to interfere with the relationship between the employer and employee. This means Bank Negara Malaysia has no authority to approve the retrenchment of Bank Employees.
NUBE is seeking an explanation from Bank Negara Malaysia as to why it has taken such a drastic action which is unlawful and causes injustice and damages the livelihood of Bank workers and their families in BCF.
J SOLOMON
GENERAL SECRETARY
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