CIMB arrogantly dismissed an ultimatum to resolve all outstanding trade disputes by 5.00 pm on 26.11.2009. 

Consequently, NUBE is compelled to resort to industrial action after months of calling on CIMB to resolve the exploitation fell on deaf ears, a clear display of arrogance, blatant disregard towards the plights and rights of its own workers and industrial harmony by CIMB.

The exploitation ranges from sexual harassment to extensive outsourcing, deliberately creating redundancy, unfair transfers of the lowest paid employees, breach of the Collective Agreement and union busting.  Actions that consciously oppose the 1Malaysia “Rakyat didahulukan; pencapaian diutamakan” mission embarked on by our Premier.

Sexual Harassment

The bank’s Manager at its Wisma Consplant terrorizes the ladies including lady NUBE representatives with foul languages.  Another Manager at its Wisma Hap Seng in Jalan P Ramlee branch continues to terrorize 7 ladies day in day out.  It is disgusting to note that the CIMB Management protects these Managers despite having full knowledge of the sexual harassment.

Extensive Outsourcing

Extensive outsourcing of workers and the job functions they perform without consulting NUBE under terms and conditions that are much less favourable.  Employees who question the bank’s move to outsource are threatened to look for a job elsewhere if they are not receptive.

Deliberately creating redundancy

Hundreds of employees from its branch nation-wide are moved to a centre called the “MOS Pool” with the excuse of creating “a pool of employees to undertake relief work” but in essence these employees are left jobless at the so called MOS Pool centre.  Frustrated employees are further subjected to ludicrous demands by the bank. 

Unfair Transfers

CIMB shamelessly uses “transfer” to threaten employees to enforce their demands.  Employees are treated as “goods” transferred back and forth at the whips of the top management.  Majority of Union representatives are also moved to deprive the employees of Union representation.  

Two (2) very pathetic cases, one lady who lost her husband is now a single parent is forced to travel for more than 3 hours per day to and from work in Jitra Kedah.  The other lady, 3 months pregnant is separated from her husband in Terengganu and placed to fed for herself alone working at a CIMB branch in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Breach of Collective Agreement

Messengers are deprived of their 2008 and 2009 uniforms for non-clericals but the bank spends big bucks on its Menara Bumiputra Commerce and expanding its empire by purchasing a bank in Thailand.  

Union busting by CIMB Bank

Clericals are promoted to “Supervisory” positions but instead of performing “Supervisory” functions, they continue to perform clerical functions.  Their terms and conditions however are immediately altered to reflect that of Supervisory terms and the most obvious is that the deduction for NUBE subscription is immediately arbitrarily stopped by CIMB Bank.

NUBE EXCO met on 30.11.2009 and have decided to take Industrial Action against CIMB and to “work to rule” with immediate effect and stop all cooperation extended all this while until CIMB realises. 

One for all & All for One

J Solomon

General Secretary