The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) is the sole union representing the commercial banks’ clerical and non-clerical staff (sometimes coined as the front-desk staff) in the Peninsular Malaysia.

The objective of NUBE’s presence is to protect, serve and represent its members as the spokesperson, especially on matters concerning employment.

Currently, the union comprises between 28,000 to 30,000 bank employees who work with various commercial banks across the nation. Each of the member is entitled for a democratic right in raising issues and concerns to the representatives, and for others to benefit in collective manner.

NUBE is represented in 5 branches nationwide, encompassing NUBE Penang (representing members in the states of Perlis, Kedah & Penang), NUBE Ipoh (Perak), NUBE Kuala Lumpur (Federal Territory, Pahang and Selangor), NUBE Seremban (Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Malacca) and NUBE Kelantan (Kelantan and Terengganu). For each of the branch, 12 committee members are appointed to coordinate and administer the running of the branch operation and activities.

NUBE has been vocal on issues regarding the welfare of its members, and this was demonstrated for the past one year after the Malayan Commercial Banks Association (MCBA) decided to take away a number of the member’s benefits, including salary increment and bonus pay out.

The conflict arising between the two bodies eventually led to NUBE members launching nationwide picket against the bank employers. Talks stalled for more than a year and it was only solved after the intervention of Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

But this was not the first triumph achieved by the union. In 1989, NUBE members launched a strike wearing sarongs to fight for a 2-month contractual bonus, which was eventually given. NUBE’s goal is always to fight for the welfare of its members and show others how a real trade union should be functioning.