KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 - The Federation of Banking & Financial Institutions Employees' Trade Unions (FEBFI) organised Extraordinary Delegate Convention in Kuala Lumpur on 7 December, officiated by the President of the Malayan Commercial Banks' Association (MCBA), Datuk Nora Abdul Manaf.
The one-day convention themed "Human Interaction Is Indispensable in Digital Banking" was attended by more than 100 participants, comprises of trade unions leaders, from all over the country.
Also spoke at the convention which took place at NUBE House, Brickfields, were the Assistant Director of the Trade Union Affairs Department, Selangor Branch, Puan Ismira Ismail; Director of the Socioeconomic Unit of the Malaysian Association of Social Protection Contributors' Advisory Services (SPCAAM), Brother Zouhair Rosli and financial and banking consultant, Sister Saachi Nilesih.
Bro Zouhair spoke under the title of "Computing Minimum Wage for Financial Sector Workers", while Sis Saachi spoke about "Reading Banks Financial Statements for Trade Unions' Better Understanding of Banks' Ability to Pay A Living Wage".
The President of FEBFI, Brother Michael Tan Eng Hong, who is also the President of the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE), delivered his welcome speech.
In his speech, Datuk Nora emphasised the need to focus on both human and technological aspects in order to improve service quality in the banking and financial sector.
He said that emphasising both aspects in a balanced manner is vital to have continuous progress and growth and at the same time to imrpove customers satisfaction.
In his view, the presence of people or human capital is still important in seeing the effectiveness of banking services provided to the public.
Meanwhile, Bro Michael Tan stated that while technology is revolutionising banking and the customer generates the revenue, it’s the banks with a human heart that deliver great customer experiences, that will stay ahead of the competition.
"And Yes, it’s the workers who drive that great customer experience," he said.
He added that to many employers, the concept of digital banking transformation is often interpreted as a potential for displacing workers.
"It has, in the recent past, has caused tremendous hardship to the livelihood of some of our members.
"For workers who have years of service and experience in their job, the prospect of losing a job is terrifying," he said.
He explained that they are fortunate to have Unions affiliated to the FEBFI protecting the interests of its members in the banking sector.
"FEBFI, whose members are facing the digital disruption, is not opposing digitalisation and automation.
"In this regard, NUBE accepts and supports workers to be reskilled or upskilled and empowered," he said.
He also said that, NUBE stands firmly on the view that banks must adopt a humanising approach by engaging the Unions in FEBFI in their roadmap towards digitalization and digital banking.
"This is the way forward, to progress," he said.
Zouhari shared the need to provide salaries and wages that correspond to the productivity level of each employee.
He rejects unfair views and perceptions that claim salary increases will affect the company's growth.
While stressing that the current rate is still low, he emphasised the minimum wage level that should be paid to workers in Malaysia, especially to those working in the financial sector.