Its general-secretary, Catherine Jikunan, said although both banks are unionised, the SBEU, which has existed for 51 years in Sabah and Labuan to represent clerical and non-clerical workers, has been in the dark and had not been consulted over the issue.
“RHB Bank and Ambank are in breach of an agreement requiring the banks to consult SBEU,” she said.
“We request both banks to have a meeting with SBEU, failing which the union might have no other alternative but to take action,” she added in a statement today.
She said the requirement to consult and engage SBEU in such matters is provided for in the collective agreements the banks had signed.
“The union is disappointed that the news of the planned merger of these two banks was only known through media reports,” she said, claiming the workers had been kept in the dark and were worried about what would happen to them.
Jikunan, who is also Sabah Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) secretary, also said it was not easy to get new jobs in the current economic scenario.
Those who have spent many years in the sector would find it difficult to venture into other careers as they will have to compete with new graduates looking for jobs.
On June 1, RHB and AmBank announced that Bank Negara had given approval for the two parties to commence discussions for a proposed merger.
Sources quoted by Reuters said RHB would be the acquirer in the potential merger, estimated to be valued at US$9 billion (RM38.59 billion).
Reuters had added that both banks have a combined headcount of 25,000 employees.
Jikunan said bank workers in Sabah have faced “hardship and bitter experiences” from previous mergers and acquisitions.
She said banks also continue to offer the voluntary separation scheme (VSS), mutual separation scheme (MSS) and career transition scheme (CTS) to let workers leave their jobs.
She said banks should provide new training for employees to enable them to move forward with the companies when there are any changes in the industry.
“The union does not want an easy way out like offering VSS, MSS or CTS.”
She added that the banks need to also train and educate employees on financial technology which is becoming dominant in the industry.
“Members are worried about their children’s future and their commitments to service housing and other loans,” she said.
“Without a permanent and decent job, they can’t fulfil their obligations towards their family and society.”
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