Outgoing general secretary lists MUBE`s achievements

The Malta Union of Bank Employees has made great strides in the past two years, the union`s general secretary, Brian Decelis said in his report to the MUBE`s annual general meeting yesterday.

Among the major accomplishments, he mentioned the strengthening of the union`s group committees, the re-establishment of relations with the other trade unions involved in the banking sector, and a better internal structure.

Mr Decelis has stood down to take up his new post as the head of a new Institute of Financial Services. Pierre Camilleri is taking over as general secretary for the coming two years.

Listing other achievements, Mr Decelis said the union had succeeded in attracting new members from new grades and from banks it had not dealt with before.

To provide an even more professional service to its members, MUBE had also established itself in the international field, by becoming an active member of UNI-Union Network International, through close cooperation with UNIFI (UK) and by involving itself in European social dialogue activities.

The union is a special interest member of the Malta-EU Steering Action Committee and was successful in obtaining annual EU funding to help support its activities.

It had also kept in touch with the political parties, seeking to influence their policies in the way they affect its members, and trying to minimise any negative impact, said Mr Decelis.

"Continuous dialogue with all the managements has meant that most situations of conflict could be resolved around the table without undue industrial strife. This should not be taken as a sign of weakness but one of strength since ultimately MUBE knows that it has the full backing of its members," he said.

"A major drawback remains that while the workload of MUBE has increased exponentially, only two full-time officials have remained," he said.

"In the meantime, new work practices within the banking sector have meant that other MUBE activists have found themselves unable to dedicate more time to the union. This has meant that in some areas we are still suffering, mostly where communication is concerned.

"If there is one area where work needs to be done it is the re-establishing of branch representatives who are in an ideal position to disseminate MUBE`s message to staff members we represent in the banking sector...

"It is important that members remain aware that taking care of their union, including giving a helping hand by volunteering some of their time, means taking care of themselves."