APS Bank denied claims by the Malta Union of Bank Employees that it has shown intransigence and a lack of understanding in the 22 months it has been negotiating a collective agreement with the MUBE.

The MUBE yesterday directed its members to observe a 'communications ban' today after talks on a collective agreement reached a stalemate.

The bank said today that as was normal in the negotiating process, positions weremodified substantially.

"It is not fully accurate to state that MUBE was well prepared to close off the agreement on July 31 since as recently as August 10, the union submitted counter proposals and emphasised that there was still a stumbling block," APS said.

It said it did not agree with the meeting called tomorrow, a normal working day, for the specific purpose of making its employees aware of the bank’s position, could in any way be called unscrupulous.

"With due respect, the bank finds this type of language to be very unhelpful in the circumstances," APS said.