The sidewalks of Kuala Lumpur's majestic Maybank Tower, once the capital's tallest building, was flooded with about 4,000 bank employees today who gathered to protest against their employers' decision to do away with their contractual bonus.

The sea of colourful flags with banners that read 'Give Us Our Bonus Back' waved and carried up high by the protesters gave the event a festive-like atmosphere.

Passing motorists along the busy Jalan Tun Perak honked in support of the protest. Even policemen on duty in their patrol cars honked politely in a show of solidarity with the crowd.

Children too were spotted at the protest showing support for their parents who make up the lowest paid sector in the banking industry.

Today's national picket was the first of its kind to be organised by the National Union of Bank Employees (Nube) where members from other states converge in a centralized area. Previously, Nube pickets were carried out in a decentralized manner at bank branches throughout the nation.

The picket was to send signals of protest against the Malaysian Commercial Bank Association's (MCBA) counter-proposal to Nube's demand - receive 30% increase of salary but no more contractual bonus.

To Nube, MCBA's counter-proposal was unacceptable as the employees felt that the banks were in a position to meet their demand for a 30% salary increment as well as to maintain the contractual bonus.

Clear message

Addressing the chanting jovial crowds, Nube president J Solomon expressed confidence that the picket today would bear fruits and that MCBA would cave in to their demands.

"Today, we have sent a clear message that we oppose MCBA's counter-proposal of discontinuing our contractual bonus which we have been enjoying for 40 years, if we are to receive our 30 percent increase in salary," he said.

He added that MCBA's August counter-proposal would rob employees of their legitimate rights to proper incentive after they have tirelessly served their employers for so long.

Nube has been in constant negotiations with MCBA for the 30% salary hike for their members since the government announced the 35% salary increment for civil servants early this year.

Solomon also said that Nube will continue to hold similar pickets in the future and will not back down until their employers react to their "legitimate demands".

The relationship between employers and employees in the banking industry has been 'sticky' ever since the bank mergers started several years ago.

Many lower-rank staff had opted for an agreeable retrenchment scheme while those who remained had no choice either due to age or qualification factors. However, they eventually found out that their years of loyalty and services were not duly repaid with the perks and renumerations.

MTUC president Syed Shahir Mohamud and several opposition politicians were present to show their support.

The peaceful picket ended without any untoward incidents. Muslim employees later marched towards the nearby Jamek Mosque to perform the sembahyang hajat (wishful prayer).

Watch the 6-minute video here.