Bank Unions Stick to March 24-25 Strike as Talks with IBA End in Deadlock

Kolkata: The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) confirmed on Thursday that its planned nationwide two-day strike on March 24 and 25 will proceed as scheduled, following unsuccessful discussions with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) over several key issues.

During the talks with the IBA, all UFBU members raised concerns such as the need for increased recruitment across all levels and the adoption of a five-day workweek. However, National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE) General Secretary L Chandrasekhar stated that these crucial matters remained unresolved.

The UFBU, an umbrella organization representing nine bank employees’ associations, had earlier announced the strike to press for demands including the filling of vacant workmen and officer director positions in public sector banks.

In addition to these issues, the unions have called for the withdrawal of new directives from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) regarding performance reviews and performance-linked incentives, arguing that these measures jeopardize job security and impose additional burdens on employees. They have also criticized what they see as excessive micromanagement by the DFS, which they claim undermines the autonomy of bank boards.

Other unresolved demands include addressing lingering issues with the IBA, amending the Gratuity Act to raise the ceiling to Rs 25 lakh aligning it with the government employee scheme—and seeking income tax exemptions.

Key bank unions within the UFBU include the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE), and the All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA).

(With PTI Inputs)