The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) says that its two-day nationwide strike on March 24 and 25 will take place as per the pre-decided schedule. Due to this, banks may remain closed on both these dates.
UFBU said that no positive result was achieved in the talks with the Indian Banks Association (IBA) on the main demands of the employee organization. In the meeting with IBA, UFBU members raised many issues including recruitment in all cadres and 5 day work week.
National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE) general secretary L Chandrasekhar said major issues remained unresolved despite the meeting. The United Forum of Bank Unions is the umbrella body of nine bank employees unions. UFBU had earlier called for a strike. The demands included filling up of workers’ and officer director posts in public sector banks.
What are the demands of the unions?
The unions have also demanded the withdrawal of recent instructions of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) on performance reviews and performance-linked incentives. They allege that such measures threaten job security. The UFBU has also opposed micro-management of public sector banks by the DFS, arguing that such interference undermines the autonomy of bank boards.
Other demands include resolving outstanding issues with the IBA, amending the Gratuity Act to increase the limit to Rs 25 lakh, aligning it with the scheme for government employees and seeking exemption from income tax.
UFBU comprises major bank unions including 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).
