NUBE claimed that Sim had “clandestinely” discussed the payment of festival aid for 2024 with the Malayan Commercial Banks Association (MCBA) without the knowledge of the union’s national executive council.

It referred to the memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed with MCBA in April 2023 for banks to pay their employees a month’s salary as festival aid.

“It was agreed between NUBE and MCBA that this payment may be reviewed by both parties in the following year,” it said in a statement.

NUBE said that at the beginning of 2024, it began discussions with MCBA on festival aid payments for 2024.

“Although the reconciliation was ongoing, the minister, without the knowledge and consent of NUBE, interfered and worked with MCBA and got the banks to pay the clerical and special grade clerical members of NUBE only a half-month salary, contrary to the said MoA.

“Further, it is regretted that contrary to the said MoA, the minister agreed with MCBA that this payment would be a one-off payment for all categories of NUBE members,” it said.

NUBE claimed that Sim had abused his power by causing MCBA to act contrary to the MoA, describing it as an oppressive act against the union’s members.

“This abuse of power caused about 15,000 bank workers in the B40 and M40 categories to suffer losses as this group was deprived of their rights,” it said.

The reports were lodged by representatives of the union in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Kelantan, Penang and Johor.