In response to the recent statement made by NUBE to the media; Hong Leong Bank Berhad (HLB) through its human resources division had met with NUBE on Nov 4 at Wisma Hong Leong to inform the union of the bank’s Voluntary Separation Scheme, following two letters sent by the Bank on October 25 and 31.

The meeting was attended by NUBE secretary general J Solomon, several of NUBE liaison officers, Ramon Chelva, the chief human resource officer and Zulkiflee Hashim, executive director from Hong Leong Bank.

The bank’s letter of October 25 sought for a meeting to be held on October 31 without knowing that NUBE had declared October 26 to 28 as Deepavali holidays. Nevertheless we endeavoured to contact NUBE and to seek their agreement to accommodate our request for the meeting on October 31.

Solomon’s overseas schedule prevented his attendance at this scheduled meeting. This resulted in the issuance of the letter dated October 31 wherein the bank had informed NUBE of its intention to launch the VSS.

In the meantime, HLB met with both Sarawak and Sabah unions and they were informed on October 31 and Nov 1 respectively of the VSS exercise.

At the NUBE and HLB meeting which took place on Nov 4, Ramon Chelva had clearly explained the scheme and the sequence leading to the launch.

“We have engaged and informed all relevant authorities including Bank Negara Malaysia and Jabatan Tenaga Kerja on our VSS exercise,” said Ramon Chelva.

“The scheme will also provide an opportunity to honour the wishes of employees who have expressed their desire to opt out early for various reasons such as to further studies, pursue other business or personal ventures, as well as it is opportunistic for the Bank to improve and enhance its efficiency and productivity; post-merger.

No employee is being forced to take it up as it is purely on a voluntary basis.” added Chelva.