July 27, 2008

We noted with approval that NUBE had concluded their CA of 1/1/2005 - 31/12/2008 at 17% - which is about 3 times above CPI for the said period. We are particularly thankful to national unions in the banking industry, namely SBEU (Sarawak), ABOM and NUBE that are setting new benchmarks in CA negotiations.

At the same time, we are also suprised because Maybank is so big-hearted to "give in" to such arrangement - for reasons best known to them.

But unfortunately, we are very disappointed that the Bank is not prepared to do the same for AMCO members. We must say, first of all, that we are not satisfied with the bank's pathetic official offer of 9% salary adjustment. So how we can believe here that our employer is unbiased on this particular issue.

We believe very strongly that the Bank should take immediate and pro-active action on helping AMCO members cope with price hikes. For the record, the Bank had rejected our request to raise mileage claims from RM0.70 cents per km to RM1.00, given the higher fuel costs in performing Bank's duty. The Bank has also declined to pay a one-off special payment to help AMCO members to cope with high cost of living.

As AMCO members feel the pinch with daily reminders of the soaring cost of food, household bills and motor fuel, it becomes more vital than ever that we continue our efforts to secure a better deal.

We deserve 25% salary adjustment.

Thank you.