bank-o-voice - sbioajaipur.org o voice june 2018.pdf · congrats to all comrades who participated...

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BANK-O-VOICE A monthly bulletin of SBIOA, Jaipur Circle June, 2018

SBI OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION, JAIPUR CIRCLE

2 State Bank of India Officer’s Association, Jaipur Circle June ,2018

Dear Friends,

Congrats to all Comrades who participated in the strike under the banner of UFBU from all over the country. From 6.00 am of 30th May, 2018 Officers and Employees remained on strike. They were monitoring the participation of member’s in strike to ensure that nobody was attending office under any compulsion.

Though the Managements had advised officers for initiation of action for participating in the strike by giving individual letters and getting acknowledgements, around 10 lakh Officers and employees participated in the strike whole heartedly.

Demonstrations were held in almost all parts of the country including faraway places. Demonstrations have been conducted at all District Head Quarters of the Country. The participation of youth and women is overwhelming.

Scale IV and V Officers also participated in large number after lot of persuasion by us. It is unfortunate that in one demonstration held at Fazilka, Bhatinda, Punjab, Com. Pardeep Dhuria, Deputy Manager of Punjab National Bank died of Heart Attack at the venue of the Demonstration.

We pay homage to the militant comrade and convey our deep condolence to his family. Our comrades there are extending all help to the family. From AIPNBOF, Bhatinda they have given Rs.50000 and AIPNBOF, Central Office Rs.1 lakh. AIBOC is sending Rs.100000/- to the family of our militant Comrade. We thank the media for extensive coverage of the rallies and demonstrations. The strike was for two day i.e. till 6 a.m. of 1st June, 2018.

In the last 5 years the business of the Banks has doubled, the operating profit has more than doubled and the staff expenses have come down. The prices have gone up. Hence

we are demanding to the Government and the Indian Banks Association to expedite the wage revision and continue the wage revision exercise for Officers upto Scale VII as instructed by the Central Labour Commissioner also. We appeal to the public to support our cause based on the service we are rendering to the masses of the country.

We handled demonetization, working day and night. We have opened more than 31 crore Jan Dhan Accounts. We have given Mudra Loans to lakhs of people. We are the ones who provide education loan, farmers loan, traders loan and serve the people throughout the day. We are the ones who have struggled and still struggling to protect the Public Sector Banks against the ill conceived idea of privatization. We appeal to the Central Govt and the Indian Banks Association to see reason and pay employees and officers what is rightfully due to them.

Once again congrats to all the comrades and appeal to you to participate in the programmes with more militancy and enthusiasm.

It is unfortunate that few black sheeps have yielded to the pressure of the Management and attended office and some attended clearing houses on deputation. Circle Associaton / AIBOC / Federation condemn these people. AIBOC/ Federation, has advised us to take serious action against these people. The issue will be discussed in our next E.C.

With Revolutionary Greetings,

RAMAVTAR SINGH JAKHAR, PRESIDENT & VINAY KUMAR BHALLA GENERAL SECRETARY


GLIMPSES OF VARIOUS EVENTS/DEMONSTRATION/ORGANISATIONAL

MEETINGS HELD DURING THE PERIOD


WHY WAGE NEGOTIATION UPTO SCALE VII?

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO JOIN THE STRIKE?

WHY SENIORS SHOULD STAND UP?

We reproduce hereunder the text of AIBOC Circular No.2018/26 dated 24th May, 2018 contents of which are self-explicit.

GENERAL SECRETARY

TEXT QUOTE:

Let us revisit the pages of history before we ponder over the pertinent questions that have assumed profound importance for the ensuing Wage Revision talks. The plight of the officers‟ community was pitiable before the formation of the Officers Associations in various Banks. Firstly, there was no uniform scale of Pay, no Casual Leave, no fixed working Hours, no transfer Policy, no promotion policy, no Loans on Concessional Rate, no leased accommodation facility, no LFC, no Conveyance allowance, no Officers Service Conditions at all. The details have been highlighted in the book „Glimpses of the Historic Indefinite Strike 1969‟ published by AISBOF. There was glaring inequality of salary. There was overtime for award staff but no overtime for Officers. So the clerical staff were earning more income than the officers on account of overtime while Officers were under mercy of the superiors for any pay related issue. It is pertinent to note that for Central Gov‟t Officers, Pay Commission covers up to the rank of Cabinet Secretary. Hence, Pillai Committee recommended introduction of four bands and seven scales of pay in 1974 for Bank Officers. There were protests and strong opposition against it by All India Confederation of Bank Officers Organisations (AICOBOO). Thereafter, it

was discussed, amended and approved by the Gov‟t and IBA and was implemented in 1979. Till date, the seven scales continue and Officers organizations negotiate the Wage Revision with the IBA. In the last 5 settlements, there were concerted efforts to take away these rights. The Gov‟t and IBA combine had tried to divide the Associations and Unions. However, we had stood firm against all allurements and provocations. It was because of the Unity of UFBU these efforts were scuttled and I am confident this time too we will succeed to negotiate up to Scale VII.

What will happen if B.S. is restricted to Scale III?

It is a deliberate attempt of the Gov‟t and IBA to drive a wedge between the Officers community by alluring the Scale IV to VII Officers with a tantalising carrot of higher pay scales. However, the Senior Management Grade officers will be left to the mercy of the Individual Bank Managements as was the scenario prior to formation of Officers Associations. It is a certainty that Performance based salary will be introduced for them. Uniformity and parity will disappear. The Officers will be under pressure to perform beyond their capabilities. There would be Cut throat competition. Perform or Perish will be the rule. Survival of the fittest will be the Mantra. Non performers will be isolated and paid less. They would be transferred, denied promotion and even forced to resign. Remember, that this Gov‟t has terminated even IAS Officers who were branded as non-performers. Choice posting will go to favourites who will appease the bosses. Women Officers will be terrorized. The working hours will become unlimited. Holidays will be gone. This has happened in many industries. It is happening in IT Industry even today. That‟s


why IT sector employees and Officers have started coming together to form platforms and join Trade Unions. While interacting with a Ola driver, I came to know that he was in IT sector earning Rs.1 lakh a month. One evening the HR Dept gave him an envelope. It had a letter stating that his performance was not up to the mark and he is not needed any more. With Rs.40 lakh Housing Loan, Rs.8 Lakh Car Loan and 2 kids in Schools he was forced to become a Taxi Driver. There are thousands like this man. That‟s why even now people are leaving companies like CTS, Wipro, Infosys and joining Public Sector banks. I have interacted with hundreds of young Officers who have joined the Bank for job security. Without Association there won‟t be any job security. This will not happen overnight. Once we are divided, we are weakened. Then slowly the process would set in. Today our top bosses in Banks and Finance Ministry are called to Davos and other exotic locations, to attend conclaves where they are tutored by foreign consultants and HR agencies that competition is important. On the other hand Niti Ayog, Fin Techs, Nandan Nilkenis etc. want brick and mortar Banks to disappear to enable the Fintechs to take over. They don‟t want Unions and Associations to come in the way. They want Privatisation of Public Sector Banks. They want access to the huge data of Banks to make them richer and richer. So they are building a big web of deceit. The beginning is the effort to divide us and show that Senior Officers are not in strike. So there will be no wage negotiation for them. They will divide Scale IV & V, then they will divide Scale VI & VII. Once this is done, the CGMs and above will also be affected. Their Scale of pay also will become less as they would be forced to accept the version that the Banks are not

doing well, so they have to sacrifice. Nobody will be safe without the watchdogs – Associations and Unions. Remember the story of Four Bulls and the Lion. Remember the story of the Father and sons and a bundle of wood. Some may ask “Why Individual letters are issued? Why Association can‟t stop it?” They will continue to issue this letter. It is statutory. In 1969, Shri R.K. Talwar, then Chairman,SBO, a towering personality issued similar letters to individual Officers. In 1997, Finance Ministry asked Banks to advice that Scale IV and above should not be in the Association. But we have our fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. We have Trade Union rights. For a collective action of a Trade Union individual members cannot be punished. So there are General Managers in our Associations and there are AGMs who are Association Leaders. We have benevolent funds, housing societies / schemes, Educational Trust, Co-operatives, sports wing, Youth Wing, Guest Houses etc. for Officers irrespective of scale. Our service conditions are up to Scale VII. It is the Association which defends all Officers when unfortunate situations arise. Let us stand united. Unity is our only strength. Let me end with a story. There was a competition for wood cutters. One old man and one young man reached the finals. They were allotted different areas in the jungle. They had to cut trees. From morning they were cutting. In between, almost every one hour the young man used to notice that there was no sound of cutting from the old man‟s side. So he was happy. “Old man is resting due to age” he used to think and continued cutting without rest. At the end of the day the judges announced that the old man is the winner. The young man asked the old man,


“Every one hour you were taking rest. How you could cut more?”. The old man said, “My dear young man, I was not only taking rest to recuperate myself but I was also sharpening the Axe. That‟s why I could win” Beloved comrades, the Association is like the old man, who possesses Wisdom, Experience, and who can visualize the future. So stand by the Association. Stand United. We are not only fighting for our Wage Revision; we are fighting to safeguard the hard earned rights, service conditions and the social responsibility of the Banks. March on to 30th & 31st Strike. The woods are lovely dark and deep But I have promises to keep And Miles to go before I sleep And Miles to go before I sleep. -Robert Frost

No Deputations, No taking over, No Clearing House Operations

during the Strike

With Revolutionary Greetings, Sd/- [D T FRANCO] GENERAL SECRETARY

UNQUOTE:

STRIKE NOTICE


GENERAL SECRETARY TEXT

QUOTE:

We reproduce UFBU Letter No.UFBU/2018/08 & 09 dated 10.05.2018 for information and action.

Comradely yours, Sd/- (D.T.FRANCO) GENERAL SECRETARY

Text of UFBU LETTER NO.UFBU/2018/8 dated 10.05.2018

TO GENERAL SECRETARIES OF ALL CONSTITUENT UNIONS: AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF, INBOC, NOBW, NOBO

Dear Comrades,

STRIKE NOTICE Since, as expected, there has been no response from the Government to our communication sent to them on 5-5-208 seeking their intervention, we have released the agitational progrmames. Strike Notice has also been sent to the Chairperson, IBA with copy to all CMDs, MDs, CEOs of all Banks.

We are enclosing herewith the copy of UFBU‟s Strike Notice.

With greetings,

Yours Comradely, (Sanjeev K. Banlish) Convenor

Text of UFBU CIRCULAR No. UFBU/2018/09 Date : 10-05-2018

TO ALL CONSTITUENT NIONS/MEMBERS

Dear Comrades,

UFBU’s CLARION CALL

OBSERVE 48 HOURS CONTINUOUS STRIKE ON 30TH & 31ST MAY, 2018


We have already informed our units and members about the outcome of the bipartite talks with IBA held on 5th May, 2018. In order to draw the attention of the Government, we had addressed our communication immediately and seeking their intervention. As expected, the Government has not responded so far and hence, as decided in our UFBU meeting, we give hereunder the agitational programmes.

16-05-2018 UFBU Memorandum to IBA

17-05-2018 Demonstrations before branches in all centres

18-05-2018 UFBU Memorandum to Finance Minister

19-05-2018 UFBU Memorandum to Labour Minister

21-05-2018 onwards

Posters display at all Branches

22-05-2018 UFBU Memorandum to Secretary, DFS, MoF, GOI

24-05-2018 Press Meet in all State Capitals

24-05-2018 Demonstrations before branches in all centres

28-05-2018 Black Badge Wearing

29-05-2018 Centralised Demonstrations in all centres

30-05-2018 All India Strike

31-05-2018 All India Strike

The strike action will begin at 6:00 AM on 30th May, 2018 and end at 6:00 AM on 1st June, 2018.

Our strike Notice on IBA has been served today. WE OPPOSE:

IBA’s delay in resolving Charter of Demands

Government’s casual approach to wage revision for bank employees/officers

IBA’s meager offer of 2% hike in wage bill towards wage increase

Partial mandate given by some of the Banks only upto Scale III Officers

WE DEMAND :

Expeditious and early wage revision settlement.

Adequate increase in salary and improvement in other service conditions

Wage revision settlement to include all officers upto Scale VII

We call upon all our unions and members to close up their ranks and implement the programmes successfully. Maintain unity, exhibit militancy and make the strike a total success.

With greetings,

Yours Comradely, Sd/- (Sanjeev K. Banlish) Convenor

UFBU / 2018 / STRIKE NOTICE 10th May, 2018

FORM – 1

NOTICE OF STRIKE

NAME OF UNIONS : UNITED FORUM OF BANK UNIONS (U.F.B.U.)

Constituted by:

1. ALL INDIA BANK EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION (AIBEA)

2. ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ CONFEDERATION (AIBOC)

3. NATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF BANK EMPLOYEES (NCBE)

4. ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (AIBOA)

5. BANK EMPLOYEES FEDERATION OF INDIA (BEFI)

6. INDIAN NATIONAL BANK EMPLOYEES FEDERATION (INBEF)

7. INDIAN NATIONAL BANK OFFICERS CONGRESS (INBOC)

8. NATIONAL ORGANISATION OF BANK WORKERS (NOBW)

9. NATIONAL ORGANISATION OF BANK OFFICERS (NOBO)

NAMES OF ELECTED RESENTATIVES

1 Shri. Sanjeev K. Bandlish, General Secretary, NCBE/Convenor UFBU

2 Shri. C.H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary, AIBEA

3 Shri. D.T. Franco, General Secretary, AIBOC

4 Shri. S. Nagarajan, General Secretary, AIBOA

5 Shri. Pradip Biswas, General Secretary, BEFI


6 Shri. Subhash S. Sawant, General Secretary, INBEF

7 Shri. K.K. Nair, General Secretary, INBOC

8 Shri. Upendra Kumar, General Secretary, NOBW

9 Shri. Shri. Hazari Lal Meena, General Secretary, NOBO

Dated this day of 10th May, 2018

To

The Chairperson, Indian Banks’ Association, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.

Madam,

In accordance with the provisions contained in sub-section (1) of Section 22 of the I.D. Act – 1947, we hereby give you notice that the members of all the constituent unions of United Forum of Bank Unions (AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF, INBOC, NOBW, NOBO) propose to go on strike on 48 hours CONTINUOUS STRIKE from 6:00 A.M. on 30th May, 2018 to 6:00 A.M. on 1st June, 2018 on the following demands:

OPPOSING:

IBA’s delay in resolving Charter of Demands

Government’s casual approach to wage revision for bank employees/officers

IBA’s meagre offer of 2% hike in wage bill towards wage increase

Partial mandate given by some of the Banks only upto Scale III Officers

DEMANDING:

Expeditious and early wage revision settlement.

Adequate increase in salary and improvement in other service conditions

Wage revision settlement to include all officers upto Scale VII

The details of the programme and the Statement of the case are furnished herein.

Encl :

1. Details of Agitational Programme

2. Statement of the Case

Copy to :

1. Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), New Delhi

2. CMDs/MDs/CEOs of All Banks

3. Chief Executive, IBA, Mumbai

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Whereas as Settlement/Joint Note was signed by the Indian Banks‟ Association with the Employees Unions and Officers Organisations in the Banks on 25-05-2015 covering revision of wages and improvements in other service conditions for the period from 1-11-2012 to 31-10-2017 and

Whereas the operation of the said Settlement/Joint Note was to end by 31-10-2017 and

Whereas the need would arise to revise the emoluments and service conditions with effect from 1-11-2017 and

Whereas the Unions and Associations submitted common Charter of Demands to the Indian Banks Association in February, 2017 and May, 2017 with a plea to the IBA to take up the demands for discussions and early resolution so that the revised pay scales, allowances and service conditions can be implemented from the due date i.e. 1-11-2017 and

Whereas, having regard to the delay in negotiations and fianlising the Settlements in the past, as early as 12-1-2016, the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India advised all the Banks as well the Indian Banks Association to initiate the process of wage


revision and conclude it prior to the effective date i.e. 1-11-2017 and

Whereas having regard to avoid the delay in arriving at a settlement, the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India reminded the Banks and IBA several times with their reminder communications to complete the wage revision process without delay and

Whereas the IBA commenced the discussions with the Unions on 2-5-2017 with the assurance that the discussions would be completed by October , 2017 and

Whereas the Negotiating Committee of the IBA held negotiations with the Unions on 2-5-2017, 5-6-2017 , 20-7-2017, 6-10-2017 and 27-10-2017 and even held discussions with the Sub-Committees of Workmen Unions and Officers Associations on 1-8-2017, 2-8-2017, 23-8-2017, 6-9-2107, 16-9-2017, 3-10-2017, 9-10-2017, 24-10-2017, 3-11-2017 and 14-11-2017,and

Whereas, in every round of negotiations, the Unions have been pleading with the IBA to make their offer on the extent of wage revision that would be offered by the IBA, and

Whereas, the IBA kept on avoiding the issue and never made any offer on the question of wage increase even though discussions have taken place on other non-financial demands of the Unions, and

Whereas during the negotiations held on 27-10-2017, the IBA assured that they would hold the next meeting of the Negotiating Committee shortly and would make their offer and

Whereas, that this meeting of negotiations was never called by the IBA and hence, after patiently waiting for 5 months, in February, 2018, the Unions decided to give the call for All India Strike on 15-3-2018 and

Whereas, in this background, the IBA invited the Unions for further negotiations on 21-2-2018 and the Unions were looking forward to participate in the discussions to take the issue forward and

Whereas, suddenly, on the plea of developments relating to Nirav Modi fraud in Punjab National Bank, the IBA cancelled this meeting proposed for 21-2-2018 and

Whereas, in the context of such exasperating and frustrating delay in negotiations, the United Forum of Bank Unions met the Hon. Finance Minister, Government of India on 21-3-2018 and submitted a Memorandum seeking his intervention.

Whereas, after patient hearing of our submission, the Hon. Finance Minister advised the Unions to meet the Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and

Whereas, the Unions met the Secretary, Department of Financial Services and explained the issue in detail to him when he assured to advice the IBA to continue the dialogue and expedite the matter and

Whereas, in this background of the developments, the IBA invited the Unions for negotiations on 5-5-2018 and

Whereas, the Unions and the lacs and lacs of bank employees were expecting the IBA to keep all the above referred developments in mind and come forward with a reasonable offer on which further negotiations can take place to complete the process without further delay and

Whereas, during the negotiations held on 5-5-2018, the IBA made the following two unacceptable propositions:

a) IBA made an offer of 2% hike in the wage bill cost as on 31-3-2017 and

b) IBA adamantly maintained that the negotiations on officers demands


would be restricted upto Scale III officers only.

To substantiate their offer, IBA stated that the financial position of our Banks are not conducive to offer better wage revision and that the Banks profits have been eroded in the recent years.

It is well-known that all the Banks have been earning more Operating Profits year after year as per our information.

Profits of the Banks are increasing:

Public Sector Banks: Rs in Crores

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Gross Operating Profit

1,27,653 1,38,440 1,36,926 1,58,982

Provisions for bad loans, etc

90,634 1,00,900 1,54,918 1,70,370

Net profit/Loss after provisions

37,019 37,540 17,992

loss

11,388 Loss

Private Sector Banks (old and new)

2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Gross Operating Profit 69,585 84,020 1,01,818

Provisions for bad loans, etc 30,853 42,707 59,570

Net profit/Loss after provisions

38,732 41,313 42,248

(Public Sector Banks)

Year

Gross Operating

Profit Before Provisions

for Bad Loans

Provisions made for Bad Loans/NPAs

Published

Net Profit

2008-09 45,494 11,121 34,373

2009-10 57,293 18,036 39,257

2010-11 74,731 29,830 44,901

2011-12 87,691 38,177 49,514

2012-13 93,684 43,102 50,582

2013-14 1,27,653 90,634 37,019

2014-15 1,38,440 1,00,900 37,540

2015-16 1,36,926 1,54,918 -17992

2016-17 1,58,982 1,70,370 -11,388

FROM 2008-09 TO 2016-17

9,20,894 6,57,088 2,63,806

Where the profits have gone ?

It can be observed from the above Table that in the last 10 years, while Banks have been consistently earning Operating Profits year after year, nearly 70% of hard-earned profits have evaporated due to provisions for bad loans and NPAs. The net profits are getting reduced only due to huge provisions for bad loans and not due to any reasons attributable to the employees and officers of the Banks.

Hence denying reasonable wage revision for the bank employees and officers on this count is unfair.

Hence the Unions have rejected this offer and have demanded adequate increase in salary.

Unions also demanded that all scales/grades of Officers should be included in the wage revision as has been the practice since 1979.

Unions also demanded that as advised by the Government, the IBA should complete the process without further delay.

Unfortunately, IBA did not agree to any of the above contentions and hence we have been forced to give the call for strike.

Increasing Bad Loans – Are employees/officers responsible ?

It is well-known that Provisions for bad loans are increasing because bad loans and NPAs are increasing every year as per our information. One can observe how bad loans in the Banks have gone up.

YEAR GROSS NPA (Rs. in Crores)

1992-93 39,250

1993-94 41,040

1994-95 38,380

1995-96 41,660


1996-97 45,377

1997-98 45,653

1998-99 51,710

1999-00 53,033

2000-01 54,672

2001-02 56,473

2002-03 54,090

2003-04 51,537

2004-05 48,399

2005-06 41,358

2006-07 38,968

2007-08 40,452

2008-09 44,957

2009-10 59,926

2010-11 74,600

2011-12 1,12,489

2012-13 1,64,462

2013-14 2,29,278

2014-15 2,80,481

2015-16 5,41,972

2016-17 6,86,750

December, 2017 7,77,280

Can IBA say that ordinary employees and officers of the Banks are responsible for this huge bad loans in the Banks? Can the employees and officers be victimised with lesser wage revision because of this huge NPA?

Volume of business and volume of work is going up.

Volume of business and volume of work of the employees and officers have gone up enormously in the recent years as per our information as can been seen from Table below:

YEAR DEPOSITS ADVANCES TOTAL BUSINESS

31-3-2012 47,90,000 36,97,000 84,87,000

31-3-2013 57,45,000 44,72,000 1,02,17,000

31-3-2014 65,90,000 51,00,000 1,16,90,000

31-3-2015 71,95,000 54,76,000 1,26,71,000

31-3-2016 74,86,000 55,94,000 1,30,80,000

31-3-2017 108,05,000 78,81,000 1,86,86,000

30-3-2018 114,75,000 86,50,000 2,01,25,000

In addition, bank employees and officers are compelled to undertake so much of non-banking business and all the burden of doing various Government schemes have fallen on the shoulders of the bank staff.

Everyone is aware of the increasing stress under which bank staff are working in the Bank Branches and adding salt to the wound, such a meager hike in wages is offered by IBA. It is totally unfair and unacceptable.

More Branches are opened but due to lack of adequate recruitment, workload is going up:

YEAR No. of BRANCHES in PSBs

31-3-2012 67,930

31-3-2013 74,000

31-3-2014 81,715

31-3-2015 87,303

31-3-2016 90,437

Wage increase should be commensurate with the increasing workload, which according to our information is as under:

INCREASE IN BUSINESS PER EMPLOYEES – AN INDICATOR:

PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS

YEAR BUSINESS PER EMPLOYEE

31-3-2012 1879 lacs

31-3-2013 2159 lacs

31-3-2014 2340 lacs

31-3-2015 2618 lacs

31-3-2016 2730 lacs


WAGE AS % TO TOTAL EXPENSES HAS DECLINED:

IN PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS

Year Wage bill as % of total expenses

31-3-2012 13.72

31-3-2013 11.44

31-3-2014 11.62

31-3-2015 11.35

31-3-2016 10.81

Hence it cannot be argued that wage increase will increase the total cost and reduce profits.

Prices are going up – Wages also should go up:

Consumer Price Index

Nov. 2011 4440

Nov. 2012 4876

Nov. 2013 5400

Nov. 2014 5764

Nov. 2015 6032

Nov. 2016 6352

Nov. 2017 6574

When inflation is uncontrolled and when prices go up unabated, can wages be depressed. Is it fair to deny reasonable wage increase?

All Scales/Grades of Officers to be included in wage revision:

In response to IBA‟s communication, majority of the Banks have given their mandate to the IBA to negotiate wage revision demands with the Unions and to cover all scales/grades of officers from Scale I to Scale VIII. This has been the practice since 1979 when the uniform regulations on officers wages and service conditions were introduced. From 1979, on 8 consecutive occasions , i.e in 1979, 1984, 1989, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015, Joint Note Agreements have been signed by IBA with Officers Associations covering wage revision for all scales of officers from Scale I to Scale VII.

Officers regulations which deals with wages and service conditions of officers is a composite Regulation covering all scales of officers and excluding Scale IV to Scale VII Officers is unfair. But IBA is refusing to negotiate and cover these scales of officers and insists on restricting the wage revision upto Scale III. We demand that all officers upto Scale VII to be included in the wage revision process.

IBA is ignoring and violating Government’s directives:

From January, 2016 onwards, Dept. of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India has been advising the Banks and IBA to initiate and conclude the Settlement in time well before November, 2017. Several reminders were given by the Government. Even then IBA has not bothered to take any steps and the present paltry offer of 2% shows that they are not interested to negotiate meaningfully and reach a satisfactory settlement at the earliest.

GOVERNMENT’S CAUSAL APPROACH:

The Government is also aware that despite their repeated letters, there is no progress in the negotiations and no offer was made to the Unions till the meeting held on 5th May, 2018. This shows that the Government is also not serious about early wage settlement in the Banks. It is unfortunate that when the Government wants and expects bank employees and officers to extend all co-operation to implement all the Schemes of the Government through the Banks, when it comes to the legitimate demands for a reasonable and fair increase in wages, the Government is not paying serious attention.

HENCE THE STRIKE CALL

UNQUOTE:


STRIKE ON 30TH & 31ST MAY 2018


GENERAL SECRETARY TEXT

QUOTE:

The decisions for 2 days strike was taken in the UFBU meeting on 5th May at Mumbai. As I explained in the EC meeting the proposal was for one day but on our proposal it was made two day. Though AIBOC suggested to have on 28th & 29th, some constituents stated that members will take it as 4 days holiday and there will be poor attendance in demo. Hence the dates were decided as 30th & 31st and the convener was asked to send a letter to the Finance Ministry and after waiting for some time issue the strike notice. I clearly mentioned in the EC that as per the sentiments of the EC members we will try to change the dates but if we can‟t we will continue with this strike and in future we will insist on combining the Holidays.

As decided on 10th May EC I proposed and convinced the Officers Organisations to agree to our proposal of 28th & 29th and quickly communicated to the convenor. Unfortunately he had already issued the Circular & Notice. I spoke to him and he said that as he will be away fo few days and the dates were already decided and this was the second notice of strike the content was ready and he issued the Notice of Strike along with programmes of action. On getting our letter he has replied that as the Notice

has been already circulated all over the country now changing it will be difficult and create confusion. Moreover it will require a discussion with all 9 Constituents.

Hence the dates are final now i.e.30th & 31st May 2018.

Under this circumstances I am of the opinion that there is no disrespect to AIBOC and the Notice of Strike clearly has stated our demand for Wage Revision upto Scale VII. An united struggle will be more powerful than we alone going on strike separately. Larger Unity is always better and UFBU was created by us and there is no reason to break it now. Our endeavour should be to ensure 100% participation, prevent clearing houses from functioning and mobilise massive demo and other actions.

There strike will not be withdrawn without achieving our demand.

In the 4 Officers Organisation we have also discussed about our COD and the principles for a decent wage in terms of the CPC formula and we have decided we will have another sitting with ground work to arrive at our formula to achieve the same.

We have also decided that if need be we will have a strike by 4 Officers Organisations.

The Govt, IBA and some Managements want to divided us. Let us show them our Unity and Solidarity.

I appeal to all our EC members to convey this to all our members and have a positive campaign to ensure 100% success.

We will prove our Capability, Strength and clear approach to achieve our goal.

Our Unity Long Live Comradely yours, Sd/- (D.T.FRANCO) GENERAL SECRETARY

UNQUOTE:


MEETING AT DFS – 2ND MAY 2018

We reproduce hereunder the text of

AIBOC Circular No.2018/15 dated

2nd May, 2018 contents of which are self-

explicit.

GENERAL SECRETARY

TEXT QUOTE:

The Finance Ministry invited us for a

discussion based on the memorandum we

had submitted to Department of Financial

Services and RBI. The meeting took place at

the Office of Mr. Ravi Mittal, Additional

Secretary Finance. Mr. Amit Agarwal, Joint

Secretary, DFS also joined.

Discussions were held on the following issues: 1. Wage Revision:

The talks have resumed but the issue of Mandate and Quantum has to be settled. Lady Officer‟s issues were to be taken care. The response was positive. The addl. Secretary said “Your arguments are well taken. We will see what best can be done”

2. Appointment of Officer Director / Employee Director: The response was that steps have been taken.

3. Implementation of the recommendation of Parliament Standing Committee on NPA: The response was that the Standing Committee is going to come up with fresh recommendations soon.

4. Levy for Tax on Net Profit: The response was that it will be explored with the concerned ministries.

5. Tax on CRR:

The response was that it is an issue RBI has to decide.

6. Reimbursement of Expenditure on Govt Schemes: No response

7. Cross Selling: The response was very positive. The officials are also of the opinion that the income should be credited to the Banks commission account.

8. Review of RBI Policies; PCA, NCLT etc: Now no proposal for Bad Bank. The issues are to be taken up with RBI.

9. Service Tax on Banks for on Services Charges waived: The response was that efforts are on to solve the issue.

10. Superannuation Benefits: We have submitted detailed memorandum related to various issues concerning superannuation benefits.

11. General The Banking Sector may take another two years to get rid of the problems. Image of the Banking system has to be restored by all of us together.

Comrades, this is the first time we were invited for an official discussion. The discussions were positive. The dialogue should continue. Comradely yours,

Sd/- (D.T.FRANCO) GENERAL SECRETARY

Encl: Copy of the letter submitted to DFS

today.


Text of letter No.AIBOC/2018/28 dated

01.05.2018

The Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services Govt of India NEW DELHI Dear Sir, Issues affecting Banking Sector Thank you very much for inviting us for a discussion. We thank the Ministry for the following: 1. The IBA has called us for the Wage

Negotiation on 5th May 2018 after our meeting with the Secretary, DFS on 21.03.2018.

2. The implementation of Ind As has been deferred by one year giving small relief to Banks.

3. RBI has reduced the provision for accounts transferred to NCLT by 40% instead of 50%.

4. The provision for Investment Fluctuation has been allowed to be spread for 4 quarters instead of one.

However the following issues remain and we request your urgent intervention. Wage Revision: The issue of restricted

mandate has not been settled yet. SBI, PNB, UBI, Indian Bank, CBI and BOB have given restricted mandate. This requires your personal intervention. There is widespread disenchantment with the salary structure. Recently Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telengana Govts. have given a good salary hike. Hence, we request your intervention for a decent wage hike without looking at the Net Profit as Banks are instrumental in implementing the Govt. schemes without any compensation. Moreover,

in the last 3 years Banks have written off Rs. 2,41,000 Crores and our Wage Revision cost will be negligible in comparison. Without employee satisfaction the Banks can‟t grow. The starting basic of an officer in

Govt is Rs.56100/- The starting basic of an officer in

RBI is Rs.35150 /- The starting basic of an officer in

LIC is Rs.33745/- The starting basic of an officer in

Bank is Rs.23700/- Basic Pay is crucial for everything including superannuation. Hence we request that it should be similar to that of the Central Govt. Officers as presented by the Pillai Committee. Our other demands are: Five Day Week Regulated Working Hours Child care leave for ladies

with salary Crèche facility Assured Pension etc.

[Copy of Charter of Demands & Further Notes submitted to IBA enclosed]

Appointment of Officer Director /

Employee Director

o At present no Public Sector

Bank has an Officer Director

or Employee Director.

Implementation of the

Recommendation of the Parliament

Standing Committee on NPA.

o If the recommendations are

implemented the entire

Banking Industry can be

saved. (Copy of the Report

enclosed)

Please don‟t levy tax on Gross Profit.

The tax should be on net profit.


RBI should provide interest on CRR

which at present is almost one lakh

crores. This will help the Banks.

Reimburse Expenditure on Govt

Schemes.

The expenditure on Jandhan, Pension

Yojana and other Govt Schemes if

reimbursed will help the Banks.

Stop Cross Selling

In the name of Universal Banking we

have allowed Banks to sell insurance,

Mutual Funds & other products. The

huge incentive has lead to misselling.

Please intervene. (Note Enclosed)

Review PCA

The 11 banks under PCA have not

improved their performance. Hence

a review is needed.

Review IBC & NCLT

Both have created lot of problems.

They are not helping Banks but

benefit the defaulters and new

purchasers of the companies. Urgent

steps are needed.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

D.T. Franco

General Secretary Encl: As above

UNQUOTE:

Published on behalf of State Bank of India Officer’s Association, Jaipur Circle by Ramavtar Sigh Jakhar – President and Vinay Kumar Bhalla-General Secretary

e-mail: [email protected] website: www.sbioajaipur.org

mailto:[email protected]

bank-o-voice - sbioajaipur.org o voice june 2018.pdf · congrats to all comrades who participated...

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