KUCHING: The Sarawak Bank Employees’ Union (SBEU) inked new Collective Agreements (CA) with AmBank (M) Berhad and HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad, bringing enhanced benefits to their employees.
In a statement, it said that the highlights of the agreements include a nine to 13 per cent salary revision, empowerment incentive, festive aid, career progression, 98 days of maternity leave, and seven days of paternity leave.
“Bank employees under the Sales & Services Grade of AmBank (M) Berhad in Sarawak will enjoy a host of new and enhanced benefits, including a nine to 13 per cent salary adjustment, under a new CA signed today between the Bank and SBEU for the period January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
“It will see the salary adjustment of nine to 13 per cent and other benefits backdated to January 1, 2024.
“The CA includes new benefits of an empowerment incentive of RM2,000, Festival Aid of RM1,800, and various other benefits and allowances currently enjoyed by the SBEU Members, which are enhanced by an average of 10 to 30 per cent. Childcare and disability subsidies, as well as medical benefits, will see a rise of up to 38 per cent. Maternity leave is now 98 days,” it said.
Following this, it stated that the Union also signed a similar CA with HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad for Customer Service Bankers of the Bank in Sarawak for the period July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025, on December 10, 2024.
“This provides for a salary revision of 10 to 12 per cent, backdated to July 1, 2022, empowerment incentive, festival aid, and enhancements to existing benefits and allowances.
“Maximum salary is now up to RM9,246. With other allowances and bonuses, SBEU Members’ monthly income can easily exceed RM10,000.
“A key feature of both CA is that annual increments and bonuses are performance-related,” it said.
It assured that SBEU members recognise the growing challenges within the banking industry, arising particularly from rapidly changing technology and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
“Our members are committed to performing additional duties and responsibilities to add value to our jobs and to serve our customers with the highest standards and integrity.
“We believe in providing responsible leadership while also seeking fair and equitable rewards for our Members’ efforts.
“We are appreciative of the recognition that Banks have accorded us in job empowerment, training, and career development opportunities,” it said.
For the record, the CA was signed by AmBank Group Chief Human Resources Officer Rohani Mustaffa; AmBank Senior Vice President Regional Director Sarawak Simon Su; HSBC Malaysia Head of Human Resources Chamila Perera; HSBC Head of Employee Relations Malaysia & SEA Seetha M Kumarasamy; SBEU President Fabian Oliver Patrick Munan; and General Secretary Joseph Kong Ying Lung.
