Beirut: The Bank Employees' Union has issued a warning of potential strikes following an impasse in mediation talks with the Association of Banks in Lebanon. The union expressed frustration over what it described as delaying tactics by the Association's representative, which it claims are hindering progress in renewing a collective labor contract that has been pending since 2022.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the union commended the Ministry of Labor's mediator for their neutrality in the process but criticized the ongoing lack of substantive negotiations. The union argued that the Association's approach is undermining the mediation efforts facilitated by the ministry.
The union also voiced its disappointment with parliamentarians for dismissing proposals related to compensation in the context of the banking restructuring law. In response, the union announced plans for a protest in Beirut's banking district, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issues at hand. The union warned that if delays persist, it would be compelled to take escalatory action, including organizing strikes, to press for a resolution.