The General Workers' Union said that the decision by the Malta Union of Bank Employees to take the issue of joint recognition at Bank of Valletta before an industrial tribunal was detrimental to workers.
In a statement the GWU said that this was because managerial and clerical staff and supervisors would have to wait for the tribunal's decision to get any wage increases and for a collective agreement to be concluded.
The GWU, which is insisting on joint recognition, said the bank could have organised a vote or verified membership and given due recognition according to the findings.
The GWU reiterated that it has an industrial dispute with the bank and warned of industrial action and other initiatives in support of its stand.