Bank strike figures in Rajya Sabha

Bank employees, who have gone on a two-day strike, today received support for their cause from several members in the Rajya Sabha, including those from the Congress, BJP and Left.     

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Tapan Kumar Sen (CPI-M) said 11 lakh bank employees have been forced to go on strike because of the "arrogant" attitude of the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and the government.     

"It is most irresponsible and immature way of handling industrial relations," Sen said.     

Ram Chandra Khuntia (Congress) said nationalised banks were earning huge profit of Rs 67,000 crore against which the additional outgo on account of increased wages would be only Rs 5,000 crore. 

Banks employees are paid less than other public sector organisations, he said, demanding immediate intervention of the government.     

Bank employees are on strike since yesterday in protest against IBA allegedly going back on an assurance of 17.9 per cent wage hike and offering compassionate appointments.     

R C Singh (CPI) said banks were in a position to pay higher salary without depending on the government.

In his special mention, Prakash Javadekar (BJP) said the issue of wage revision for bank employees must be resolved.     

"Sudden change in stand (by IBA) is highly provocative," he said.