The National Union of Bank Employees (Nube) has accused Human Resources Minister Steven Sim of sidelining workers in favour of negotiations with their employers, represented by the Malayan Commercial Banks’ Association (MCBA), for a festival aid payment.

Nube general secretary J Solomon in a press conference with members at the union’s office in Kuala Lumpur cited an April 2 circular from banks announcing a one-off ex-gratia payment - one month salary for non-clerical staff, and half month for clerical and special grade clerical staff.