Maybank denies harassment allegations
Bank and union at odds over harassment case
SHAH ALAM – Maybank has issued a statement denying allegations of unfair treatment and harassment against a female employee, as raised by the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE).
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the bank claimed that it has taken all necessary steps to address the matter and is currently involved in legal processes with NUBE.
“While Malayan Commercial Banks' Association (MCBA) and the bank deny the allegations narrated by NUBE, we would assure all stakeholders that there have been no unfair actions as alleged by NUBE.
“MCBA, its member banks and NUBE are currently undergoing various legal processes and as such, we are unable to comment further. We urge that NUBE also respects the process accordingly,” the statement read today.
The statement was issued when NUBE recently sought justice for a female employee at a Maybank branch in Bercham, Ipoh, who reportedly faced ongoing harassment and intimidation and was ultimately suspended on Aug 20 after reporting sexual harassment by her male superior.
NUBE's Secretary-General J. Solomon revealed that a female bank employee had been subjected to harassment and bullying by her superior since 2021, with no action taken by the local bank despite her complaints. Instead of addressing the issue, the bank allegedly shifted its focus, targeting the employee in an investigation intended to silence her.
After years of harassment, the employee reported the matter to the union and filed a police report on Aug 16.
The bank then summoned her for an investigative interview on Aug 20, but she reminded them of her previous sexual harassment report from October 2021 and requested union involvement.
When she refused to bypass the grievance process, the bank suspended her, citing "insubordination," and placed her on half pay.
NUBE slammed the bank for failing to act against the perpetrator while punishing the victim.
Solomon stressed that the harassment, which began in May 2021 with inappropriate messages and photos, was met with only minimal response from the bank.
Meanwhile, when contacted, Solomon has reaffirmed the union's commitment to protesting the bank's alleged mistreatment of the employee until the matter is resolved.
“We will continue this protest and this campaign until we find a solution. Unless there is a resolution for the victim, we will continue to protest against the action of the bank.
“We will protest until the matter is resolved,” he told Sinar Daily today.
Protests have been organised at various Maybank branches across Malaysia in solidarity with the harassed employee and to demand accountability from the bank.
