The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) has urged around 20,000 of its members to participate in a picket which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on April 6.

NUBE secretary-general J Solomon said that the 'Picket Daulat' will be organised near the Maybank and CIMB buildings in Jalan Tun Perak as a sign of solidarity among bank employees to "oppose exploitation and betrayal by banks".

"Banks are using their financial strengths to neglect employees' welfare, and also that of the bank customers," Solomon said in a statement.

"It is done under the name of productivity and efficiency. However, the victims are the employees and customers who are actively contributing to the growth and success of these institutions as profitable organisations," he added.

NONE According to Solomon ( left ), the picket is expected to be held from 2pm to 4.30pm under the theme, "Picket Daulat 6413" in conjunction with the first anniversary of their meeting with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak which took place on April 6 last year.

He also said that they had produced three demands to Najib last year, but this time they expect to attract everyone's attention towards their 10 demands.

Among their demands are to urge three banks - namely CIMB, Maybank and Bank Muamalat - to stop deregulating banking services, cancel exorbitant service fees, stop the exploitation of women and especially pregnant women, and also urge the banks to promote a more equitable pay scale.

"Our members are ready for action and we wish to make these demands in one voice during the picket," Solomon stressed.

"We want the banks to agree on working with NUBE towards a positive dialogue which will lead to a healthy partnership between the managements and their employees," he added.