NUBE-MCBA dispute: Ramanan's appeal to continue for court ruling on legal issues, says ministry

The Human Resources Ministry clarified today that the appeal from Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan in the ongoing dispute between the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) and the Malaysian Commercial Banks Association (MCBA) is focused on seeking a Court of Appeal ruling on legal matters stemming from the High Court's decision. The ministry emphasized that this does not indicate a dismissal of the possibility of an amicable settlement through negotiations between the two parties.

While the ministry noted that Ramanan did not request a stay of execution for the High Court's decision, the Department of Industrial Relations Malaysia had taken the initiative by summoning the parties to resume conciliation proceedings. However, MCBA successfully applied for a stay of execution, which was granted by the Court. This stay order has prevented any progress in negotiations regarding the collective agreement thus far.

The ministry further explained that Ramanan's withdrawal of the appeal would not automatically restart negotiations between NUBE and MCBA, as the stay order remains in force due to MCBA's application. Previously, media reports indicated that the dispute centers around the payment of festive assistance and the 20th Collective Agreement.

On February 13, the High Court approved NUBE's request for judicial review, overturned two references to the Industrial Court made by Ramanan, and ordered the parties to resume negotiations. However, on September 26, the High Court permitted MCBA's application to stay the execution of the decision while awaiting the association's appeal to the Court of Appeal.