Over 300 union members, including staff of CIMB Berhad today held a protest in which they picketed against the bank management for allegedly ignoring employees’ welfare and violating their rights.

The protesters are claiming, among others, that the bank adopts unfair appraisal practices when awarding staff bonuses, and even sacks staff who question the management’s use of employee fund.

NONE The hour-long picket, organised by the National Union of Bank Employees (Nube), took place at the Petaling Jaya CIMB branch at 12pm and comprised some 300 members, including CIMB staff.

Around 5,000 Nube members are employees within the CIMB chain.

Nube assistant general-secretary A Karuna, when contacted by Malaysiakini , claimed the bank management was informed of the various staff complaints over a year ago, but the bank had failed to take any action.

Karuna said today’s picket was the 30th such protest to be held since last December.

As of February 2013, the union has picketed in Kangar, Alor Setar, Temerloh and Pekan.

The bank is helmed by CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Nazir Abdul Razak - younger brother of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

On a related matter, Karuna said Nube is planning a massive picket at CIMB and Bank Negara in Kuala Lumpur on April 6, so that the claims of the affected bank staff can be heard.

He is estimating that some 20,000 Nube members, including CIMB staff, will take part in the protest.

Malaysiakini has contacted CIMB for their response to the allegations, and have received an automated email response promising a "case executive" will revert within two working days.