HSBC Bank Malta plc on Friday announced that it has signed a new collective agreement with the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE) covering the period from 2024 until 2026.

The bank stated that this agreement is characterised by significant enhancements to employee pay, benefits, and retirement pension plans.

HSBC added that this highlights the bank’s “strong commitment” to its people as a cornerstone of customer service excellence and its goal to innovate and improve.

The agreement was signed this week in Malta, before it was then validated at the headquarters of HSBC Continental Europe – the local bank’s majority shareholder – in Paris by its CEO Andrew Wild, together with HSBC Bank Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte. MUBE representatives were also present.

The collaborative and professional negotiation process between HSBC Bank Malta and MUBE underscores a shared commitment to the bank’s strategy that focuses on “fostering an environment of excellence in customer service and supporting the growth and development of every employee,” it explained.

From left: HSBC Bank Malta Human Resources Advisory Nadianne Azzopardi, HSBC Bank Malta Head of Human Resources David Perotti, HSBC Continental Europe CEO Andrew Wild, MUBE President William Portelli, HSBC Bank Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte, MUBE Group Committee Chair Josef Figallo, MUBE Group Committee Secretary Amanda Camenzuli

Commenting on the agreement, Mr Fichte said: “I am pleased to confirm the signing of this new collective agreement with MUBE, reflecting our commitment to our people as they are our key competitive advantage.”

He remarked that the agreement is a key part of the bank’s transformation journey, “laying the foundation for innovation, transformation, customer service excellence and business growth.”

“I am personally very motivated by the bright future ahead and look forward to working together with our colleagues to achieve success not only for them personally, but also for our stakeholders,” he continued.

William Portelli, MUBE President, stated that this collective agreement will take collaboration between the two entities “to another level,” while also enhancing daily practice at the workplace as the business progresses with the digital transformation process.

“The agreement is an endorsement of goodwill from all parties involved as evidenced by the commitment to enhance efficiency, flexibility and a feel-good factor around the working environment to the benefit of the employees’ well-being,” he added.

He affirmed that the MUBE is “confident” in the new management team to “drive future success.”