AWARD

The reference pertains to a trade dispute between Malayan Commercial Banks' Association (MCBA) and Association of Bank Officers, Peninsular Malaysia (ABOM) over terms and conditions to be incorporated in a collective agreement for those workmen within the scope of the collective agreement.

The reference by the Minister of Human Resources is under s. 26(2) of the Industrial Relations Act 1967 and was made on 7 May 2003.

This matter was fixed for hearing on 16 January 2004. However on that day counsels for the company and the union S Rutheran and LG Seah respectively informed the court that they have narrowed down the issues in dispute. Now the position is as follows:

AGREED ARTICLES

Article 5 - Settlement Of Disputes

(1) Implementation or Interpretation of Agreement

A standing committee consisting of not more than five (5) members each from the association and the union shall be established. All questions and disputes connected with the implementation or interpretation of this agreement shall be dealt with by the standing committee. If it is still not resolved, the dispute shall be referred to the Industrial court for a decision.

(2) Grievance Procedure

The procedure to be followe