HSBC strike back on for the third time, directives to kick off Tuesday
MUBE says HSBC has not yet offered a compensation package that recognises hard work
A strike by HSBC workers, which was suspended at least twice, is back on, as the bank employees’ union MUBE is still not happy with the bank's compensation package offered to its members.
The union first directed employees to log off communication channels and bank systems on September 22, due to a dispute linked to the union’s demand for employees to be compensated in view of the bank’s impending sale to CrediaBank.
The strike was then suspended on September 24, after union representatives met for conciliatory talks with DIER, the government’s industrial relations unit.
Just two days later, the strike was back on, with the union saying the bank had put forward a “wholly unacceptable” offer for compensation.
On September 29, the union once again put the action on hold, saying it hoped that “a tangible workable proposal is forthcoming”.
On Monday (October 6) evening, the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE) said HSBC has "failed to present a compensation package that shows staff the deserved respect that recognises the hard work they have put in over the years, and the hard work that is to come with the transformation" brought about by the takeover.
As of October 7, its members are being ordered to log off all communication channels, log off all bank systems, do not use bank systems and do not hold or attend internal meetings.
Non-members who follow MUBE's directives will also be covered by the union, it assured.