HSBC rejects union’s allegation that top foreign execs victimising local staff

HSBC has defended itself against claims it was mistreating its local workers.

PETALING JAYA: The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) has accused top foreign executives at HSBC Bank Malaysia of unfairly treating local staff, a claim denied by the British banking giant.

NUBE said the expatriates were “mercilessly victimising Malaysian” employees, following HSBC’s decision to outsource its functions to India, Sri Lanka and vendors within the country.

“Unfortunately for Malaysian workers, there are many expatriates in HSBC who are heading departments and according to our feedback, mercilessly victimising Malaysian workers,” said NUBE secretary-general J Solomon.

When contacted, HSBC denied it violated employee rights, adding that it was treating NUBE’s claims seriously.

“HSBC remains highly committed to Malaysia and to retaining our position as a leading international financial institution in the country.

“We have a long history in the country and plan to continue serving our customers and investing in our people, network and businesses,” HSBC Malaysia’s communications head Marlene Kaur told FMT.

Solomon had earlier said attempts by NUBE to have consultations with HSBC over its outsourcing exercise had failed.

He had claimed that some 200 workers would lose their jobs while others would be redeployed before being laid off.

HSBC denied there would be retrenchment of workers.

“Impacted employees who decide not to apply for the voluntary separation scheme will be provided with alternative employment options,” the bank told FMT yesterday. - FMT