The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) has vehemently refuted a statement by Maybank’s CEO, which claimed that all bank workers earn above the living wage benchmark of RM3,100.00 per month. NUBE has labeled the CEO’s assertion as “misleading and dishonest,” revealing that the starting salary for the lowest-paid employees at Maybank is merely RM2,370.00 – a figure significantly below the stated benchmark.
NUBE further criticized Maybank’s CEO for failing to acknowledge the severe income inequality prevalent in Malaysia. The union cited the World Bank’s February 2025 report, “A Fresh Take on Reducing Inequality and Enhancing Mobility in Malaysia (2024),” which confirms that income disparity in Malaysia is indeed higher than in many high-income countries.
The union has consistently advocated for improved remuneration for its members. NUBE highlighted that the current benefits being extended to its members are the result of protracted bargaining and negotiation from previous Collective Agreements (CAs).
During the negotiations for the 20th CA, NUBE stated that banks, including Maybank, adopted a regressive stance, attempting to backtrack on terms agreed upon in the 19th CA. The union expressed frustration over the banks’ alleged unwillingness to engage in consultations or agree on comprehensive reskilling and upskilling programs for workers in collaboration with NUBE.
A particularly contentious issue involves festival aid. NUBE claims that Maybank and other banks initially agreed to provide this aid to its members but later reneged on their commitment, citing that the agreement was not formally sanctioned by the Industrial Court. This decision, according to NUBE, adversely impacted approximately 15,000 of its members. In stark contrast, Maybank’s Indonesian operations continue to disburse festival aid without contention, as it is a legal requirement in that country.
NUBE also brought to light past incidents where Maybank allegedly failed to act decisively in cases involving sexual harassment of a staff member and racist remarks directed at another by an executive. The union now expresses concern that Maybank, in coalition with other banks, is seeking to remove a crucial clause on social dialogue from the 20th CA.
Furthermore, NUBE accused Maybank of discriminatory bonus practices, alleging that the bank provides different bonuses to workers of the same category who are not union members. This practice, the union contends, actively creates division and discord within the workplace.
