Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) said it had gone "above and beyond" what was legally required to facilitate the transfer of 49 staff members this year, of whom 27 were sacked for refusing to comply.

The transfers were part of a rationalisation exercise to maintain competitiveness and the bank took steps to ensure that the affected employees received adequate support to facilitate their transfers, HLB said in a statement released yesterday.

The affected employees were informed of the transfers in February and notices were issued in June, with an initial transfer date of Sept 18 that was later delayed until Nov 18.

"Relocation expenses and monthly housing allowances were also provided to those affected. On Nov 18, staff who did not report to their new centres were issued a reminder to report for duty accordingly," HLB corporate affairs and public relations officer Shirlin Roesman said in the statement.

Yesterday, the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) and the Malayan Trades Union Congress (MTUC) said the 27 dismissals were unfair because those affected were unable to relocate themselves to other towns or cities.

NUBE and MTUC had urged the Human Resources Ministry to step in and ensure that Hong Leong Bank reinstate the dismissed workers. They also warned that this episode may set a precedent for other banks to follow.

Shirlin said that a trade dispute against HLB had been referred to the Industrial Relations Department for reconciliation, but was unsuccessful, leading the human resources minister to refer the matter to the Industrial Court on Dec 6.

"HLB remains committed to working towards an amicable resolution. At this point, however, with the matter having been referred to the Industrial Court, we are not in a position to comment further," she said.