HSBC and the General Workers Union (GWU) have agreed that the recently negotiated collective agreement on public holidays falling on Saturday and Sundays is a positive development for all parties involved. Representatives of GWU and HSBC met again to clear up the misunderstandings that have arisen regarding the terms of the collective agreement, following recent media reports.
In a press release, HSBC and GWU stated that both parties will always act in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement and within the spirit and letter of the law. The GWU reiterates that the issuing of its press release following the conclusions of the negotiations was never intended to cause any misunderstandings or misinterpretation of the Agreement reached between both parties.
HSBC’s Chief Operating Officer, Martin Wilkins said, “the Bank believes this collective agreement is highly significant within the banking sector. The past months have seen intensive and diligent negotiations taking place with the GWU with whom we maintain a positive relationship. As a result, an agreement was reached, before the expiry of the current collective agreement, which is in the interests of all parties involved. The GWU represents the non-clerical grades within the bank."
GWU Section Secretary of the Media and Services Sector Mr Karmenu Vella, said, “we believe that this proposed collective agreement recognises the contribution of our members to the continued success of HSBC in Malta and will see our members emerging with strongly improved conditions of employment. We are pleased to have seen this agreement finalised and we are delighted that our members have also endorsed this deal.”
Mr Wilkins concluded, “From HSBC’s point, this agreement was a balancing act between the needs of the three major stakeholders in HSBC: our customers, our staff and our shareholders. Throughout the negotiations, the Bank kept the customer as its focal point. I believe that the agreement, whilst safeguarding and improving the working environment of our staff and protecting the interests of shareholders, will also translate into an improved service proposition to our customers."
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