The Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE) has declared an industrial dispute with HSBC (Malta) after talks on a new collective agreement 'stalled'. 

"Whilst collective agreement negotiations between the MUBE and HSBC for the years 2011-2013, ongoing since March 2010, have been cordial, these have moved at a very slow pace particularly since HSBC Bank Malta plc has been reluctant to seriously deal with various important issues, one of which being salary increases," the trade union said.

It said its proposals have been motivated by the increased work intensity and the long working hours that are being demanded of the workers.

Moreover, the current practice of off-shoring of jobs to Asia and Eastern Europe was undermining staff morale and  creating a feeling of anxiety and uncertainty, further deteriorating HSBC’s current working environment.

"Whilst MUBE has always been very understanding and collaborative, it must be said that we have now reached a point where management is clearly out-of-touch with staff and this is witnessed by the alarming number of staff seeking to leave HSBC at the first available opportunity."

The MUBE said it is reserving its right to call industrial action.