Bank unions : from antagonism to collaboration

Abstract

This dissertation illustrates a detailed picture of the modus operandi of trade unions in banks and particularly at HSBC (Malta). To support the hypothesis, an analysis of the situation of the trade unions, in the banks, from the 1990s until now has been carried out. To substantiate any statements I undertook a series of interviews, research, personal views and a survey. Throughout the long essay one can analyse the shift of why unions could not see eye to eye to the present situation of collaboration and consultation. The study analyses the takeover of Mid-Med Bank by HSBC as a main contributory factor to the changing climate of industrial relations in the Maltese banking sector. Other topics dealt with include the history of the bank and of trade unions, industrial relations in the bank as well as banks in the European Union.