HSBC, MUBE sign collective agreement

HSBC Bank Malta and the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE) have signed a new collective agreement for clerical and managerial categories within the bank.

The collective agreement, covering the period from January 1 this year to December 31, 2004, was concluded following lengthy discussions, which were conducted in an amicable and professional manner by both parties, HSBC said.

HSBC Bank Malta chief executive officer Tom Robson, head of human resources Christine Davies and human resources manager Philip Borg signed the agreement on behalf of the bank while the MUBE's president William Portelli, with general secretary Pierre Camilleri and Josef Figallo, secretary of the HSBC group committee, signed on behalf of the union.

The package agreed is forward looking and this collective agreement will enhance the working conditions through the introduction of various concepts such as key-time working, continuous professional development, flexible working hours and child care subsidy. Improvements have also been made to the bank's health and safety policy and disciplinary procedures among other things. The agreement also contains an enhanced financial package.