KUCHING: Approximately 1,100 bank employees in Sarawak will receive a 9 per cent salary increase 'across the board' as part of a new Collective Agreement signed today between the Sarawak Commercial Banks Association (SCBA) and the Sarawak Bank Employees' Union (SBEU).
The salary adjustments, involving employees classified under Sales & Service categories 1 (SS1), 2 (SS2), and 3 (SS3) will be backdated to Jan 1.
As a goodwill gesture, the employees, all SBEU members, have also agreed to contribute 10 per cent of their salary arrears amounting to more than RM500,000 to their union's asset, training and welfare fund.
SBEU does not represent bank employees in the management, executive, confidential or security capacities.
In addition to the salary adjustment, SS2 employees may be considered for promotion to SS3 if they have the necessary experience, qualification and meet the performance standards of the bank.
SS3 employees will also be considered for promotions to position of higher responsibilities if vacancies exist.
Alternate President of the Malayan Commercial Banks' Association (MCBA) Datuk Brian Jit Singh, who witnessed the signing, said the SBEU members in SS1, SS2, and SS3 grades are the 'core of banking institution'.
"(They) continue to be the backbone of our operations. Across various business units, these employees are the engine that keeps our institutions running smoothly, upholding the trust that our customers place in us every day," he said.