Kolkata: The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) confirmed on Thursday that its two-day nationwide strike on March 24 and 25 will proceed as scheduled. The decision follows unsuccessful discussions with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) over key demands raised by the unions.
Key Issues Remain Unresolved
In the meeting with the IBA, the UFBU raised several pressing concerns, including recruitment across all cadres and the implementation of a five-day workweek. However, no significant progress was made, according to National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE) General Secretary L Chandrasekhar.
The UFBU, an umbrella body comprising nine bank employees’ associations, had earlier announced the strike to push for these demands. Among their concerns is the need to fill vacant workmen and officer director posts in public sector banks.
Concerns Over Job Security and Autonomy
A major point of contention for the unions is the recent directive from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) regarding performance reviews and performance-linked incentives. The UFBU has alleged that these measures threaten job security and create undue pressure on employees.
The unions have also voiced strong opposition to what they term as “micro-management” of public sector banks by the DFS. They argue that such interventions erode the autonomy of bank boards and impact decision-making processes.
Other Major Demands
Apart from staffing and autonomy concerns, the UFBU has called for the resolution of residual issues with the IBA. The unions are also demanding an amendment to the Gratuity Act, seeking to raise the ceiling to Rs 25 lakh, aligning it with the scheme applicable to government employees. Additionally, they are pushing for an exemption of gratuity payments from income tax.
Unions Stand United
The UFBU comprises several major banking unions, including the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE), and All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA).
With talks failing to yield a resolution, the UFBU remains firm on its decision to go ahead with the strike, raising concerns over potential disruptions in banking operations nationwide.
