The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) has urged all parties involved in the dispute between the Malayan Commercial Banks’ Association (MCBA) and the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) to allow the judicial process to run its course, with the matter scheduled to be heard by the Court of Appeal on March 22, 2027.
In a statement, the ministry said it was closely monitoring developments and public discussions surrounding the 20th Collective Agreement and Festival Aid, particularly issues affecting employee welfare and industrial relations.
KESUMA said it remained committed to the rule of law and called on the parties to avoid speculation or comments that could create confusion while the case remains before the courts.
The dispute concerns festival aid payments and negotiations over the 20th collective agreement. In February, the High Court allowed NUBE’s judicial review application and quashed ministerial referrals of the disputes to the Industrial Court, directing the parties back to their agreed negotiation mechanism. MCBA and the Human Resources Minister subsequently appealed, with the appellate hearing fixed for March 22 next year.
The ministry said it would continue adopting a tripartite approach involving the government, employers and trade unions to maintain stable industrial relations.
Through the Industrial Relations Department, the ministry will continue acting as a facilitator to ensure that channels for negotiations between MCBA and NUBE remain open, constructive and based on mutual respect.
KESUMA said its objective was to help both sides reach a reasonable resolution that balances workers’ welfare with employers’ interests while preserving industrial harmony.
The ministry added that it would continue carrying out its responsibilities in a professional, fair and balanced manner to maintain constructive relations between workers, trade unions and employers.
The MCBA-NUBE dispute has been ongoing since 2024, when disagreements over festival aid and negotiations for the 20th collective agreement were referred to the Industrial Court after conciliation efforts failed to produce a settlement.
