The strike at HSBC will enter its third day tomorrow (Wednesday) following a vote by the bank’s employees this evening.

The workers voted overwhelmingly to give their union a mandate to continue with strike action during a meeting organised by their union -  the Malta Union of Bank Employees - to inform them that no progress was registered in talks with the bank.

MUBE president William Portelli said the MUBE will be assessing the situation on a day by day basis.

During the meeting workers expressed disappointment at the absence of concrete proposals from the bank as well as at its approach. Mr Portelli said the MUBE was not excluding anything including public action.

The union issued strike directives last week after the bank reportedly threatened to lock workers out for obeying the union’s industrial action. The strike started on Saturday after workers were directed to sit-in on Wednesday and Thursday.

The MUBE accused the bank of withdrawing the financial package from a practically agreed deal.

The industrial action has caused disruption to bank clients, especially the elderly and businesses. Cheques are not being processed and services have been curtailed. There is service at ATMs.

The strike action is also being supported by the General Workers’ Union, which represents some of the employees.