Unite Union Fumes as HSBC Plans to Increase Working Days and Cut Sick Leave
Unite union has opposed the proposal of the HSBC to bring changes in the contract for branch managers. The Bank had recently declared that the employees would not get sick leave pay beyond 26 weeks. It would also cut down the benefits to half of the contract. It aims to bring the managers at par with the other employees.
In addition, it wants more branches to remain open on Saturday, so from now onwards, the managers would have to work for six days in a week. However, the bank makes it clear that those who work on Saturday would get off on some other day of the week. Therefore, it does not mean extra working hours.
Unite union wants the branch managers to be a part of their union and that is why it has written to HSBC for holding talks on a voluntary union recognition agreement for the middle managers. At present, only the clerical employees come under it, and there is no one to speak on the behalf of the managers.
According to Cath Speight, Unite national officer, this is an unfair treatment of the employees, who work very hard for long hours for the progress of the bank, even though the salaries are as low as £19,000 per year. He also stated that the Unite would protest any such act by the HSBC. Moreover, the bank should recognize the right of managers to form an independent trade union. However, the spokesperson for HSBC, has clarified that the employees understand the needs of the bank, and are satisfied with the decision.
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