SBEU, SCBA ink landmark agreement with salary adjustment, new benefits for S’wak bank employees

KUCHING (Sept 19): The Sarawak Bank Employees’ Union (SBEU) has signed a new Collective Agreement (CA) with the Sarawak Commercial Banks’ Association (SCBA) that would give significant benefits to bank employees, including a 9 per cent salary adjustment.

The agreement was finalised in a ceremony today which was witnessed by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, in which he expressed his appreciation for the collaborative effort between the union and the banks.

He said it is important for constructive dialogues to be held in ensuring employee welfare while he also emphasised his commitment to the workers’ rights.

“Congratulations for the smart partnership approach taken by both parties during negotiations, which allowed for a prudent and harmonious process.

“The relationship between workers and employers should be symbiotic, benefiting both sides, rather than adversarial,” he said during the ceremony.

According to the parties involved, the new CA introduces several enhanced benefits, including a one-off ex-gratia payment of RM2,000, aimed at recognising the union’s collaboration with commercial banks.

Additionally, for the first time, the agreement includes an annual Festive Aid payment of RM1,800 to help employees manage the extra expenses associated with festive celebrations.

The agreement, the 17th in the series, covers the period from 2024 to 2026 and will affect approximately 1,100 employees across various grades.

Present at the ceremony were SBEU President Fabian Oliver Patrick Munan, SBEU General Secretary Joseph Kong, SCBA President Maureen Paril and SCBA Secretary Elvy Nurdalila Amira.

Also present was Malayan Commercial Banks’ Association Alternate President Dato’ Brian Jit Singh, who praised the responsible leadership that facilitated the CA.

He commented on the maturity and cooperation displayed throughout the negotiation process, stating that despite challenges, both parties managed to reach workable solutions.

“Quick resolution of the agreement within just eight months which reflects strong leadership and commitment to positive labor relations should be praised,” he said.

Maureen, in her remarks, also described the new CA as a “win-win pact,” providing equitable rewards and improved benefits for employees while supporting the growth of the banking industry in Sarawak.

She pointed out the commitment of banks to create more opportunities for higher-salaried employees.

“Furthermore, there are plans to enhance career development for SS3 graded employees, with a commitment that at least 20 per cent of the clerical workforce will be promoted to this grade by December 2025.

“This initiative aims to recognise the evolving roles and responsibilities of employees in the banking sector,” she said.

Overall, the parties involved in signing the CA said that the new agreement marked a significant step forward for bank employees in Sarawak, promising improved financial security and career opportunities while fostering a cooperative environment between the union and employers.