In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, ITUC general secretary Shoya Yoshida said such actions were not only detrimental to workers’ rights but also undermined the principles of social dialogue and industrial harmony that Malaysia has long championed on the international stage.

“It has come to our urgent attention that NUBE and its members are being subjected to a series of union-busting actions by several banks,” he said.

Given this, ITUC has called for the prime minister’s immediate intervention to address certain issues, which include the alleged abuse of power by the human resources minister, union-busting activities by banks, social dialogue and collective agreement compliance and the establishment of an independent inquiry body.

“ITUC believes that your esteemed office (PMO), with its commitment to justice and fairness, will take the necessary steps to address these critical issues.

“We urge you to bring all relevant parties to the negotiation table to resolve these matters in a manner that upholds the dignity of workers and the integrity of the Malaysian banking sector. We trust that you will give this matter your immediate and serious attention,” added Yoshida.

A copy of the letter was also sent to Luc Triangle, general secretary, ITUC, Belgium; Felix Anthony, president, ITUC-Asia Pacific, Fiji; secretary general, MTUC, Malaysia; and Joseph Solomon, general secretary, NUBE, Malaysia.

ITUC (Asia Pacific) represents more than 60 million working people from 36 countries and territories in Asia and the Pacific, including Malaysia, while NUBE has 15,000 members in the banking sector and is affiliated with ITUC through the Malaysian Trade Union Congress.

“NUBE is committed to ensuring the well-being of all the banking staff it represents and welcomes the honourable prime minister’s intervention towards ensuring these efforts,” added NUBE general secretary J Solomon. 

The Vibes

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