FinMin appeals to bank employees not to join trade union strike

None of the main points contained in the charter of demands (of the trade unions) has any connection with the bank employees, the statement says

The Finance Ministry has appealed to the bank employees not to join the nationwide strike called by trade unions on February 20 and 21.

In a statement issued today, the finance ministry said that the government is disappointed to note that a section of the bank employees has decided to join the strike called by certain trade unions on February 20-21, 2013. It said that as far as bank employees are concerned, there is really no reason at all to join the strike.

“None of the main points contained in the charter of demands (of the trade unions) has any connection with the bank employees. Banks provide employment to a large number of people and continue to recruit every year. Bank employees have social security cover. They hold regular jobs which carry attractive scales of pay. They receive bonus, PF and gratuity in accordance with applicable laws. They are entitled to pension,” the statement said.

It said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already appealed to the trade unions not to go strike. Government has also set-up a Group of Ministers to talk to the Trade Union leaders. The strike has been called jointly by AITUC, the Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh, Indian National Trade Union Congress,  Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade Union Centre and some others.

Monday, a meeting between representatives of major trade unions decided to go ahead with their two-day all-India strike on February 20 and 21 after a meeting with senior cabinet ministers ended without any result.