UFBU blames IBA for failure of talks on wage rise

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has blamed Indian Banks Association (IBA) for failure of talks on their demand of wage revision for about 9 lakhs bank employees and officers across the country.     

UFBU convener C H Venkatachalam told PTI today that wage revision is due since November 2007 and UFBU consisting of nine bank unions representing the banks employees and officers across the country, has been adopting positive approach on their demands .     

Instead of appreciating it, the IBA wants to attach preconditions before negotiations for arriving final settlement which is not acceptable to UFBU, Venkatachalam asserted.     

Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC) had called for a conciliation meeting between IBA and UFBU on Thursday, following latter's' call for a strike on June 12.     

UFBU in the meeting explained their demands and the compulsive need for the strike call to CLC.     

IBA informed that while they have already made an offer of 15 percent increase in the wage bill, they are also willing to extend another option to the PF optees to join the pension scheme and were also willing to work out a mutually acceptable formula for sharing the cost of the identified additional liability.

Vekentachalam insisted on a new contributory pension for the future employees citing IBA's statement that looking to the increasing cost of pension, it would be difficult for banks to continue toe increase was inadequate and needs to be substantially improved."     

They (UFBU) also said that while the unions would be willing to discuss any reasonable demand of the managements to find amicable solutions, the present demand to give managements a free hand to outsource all permanent and perennial jobs is not acceptable to us.     

While pointing out the UFBU has already made a reasonable offer to share the additional cost of pension option, they, however, clarified that IBA's pre-condition that unions should agree for introduction of new pension scheme for the future employees is unfair and not acceptable, UFBU leaders said.     

After hearing both the sides, CLC advised that both IBA and UFBU should sit across the table within seven days for a meaningful dialogue to sort out the issues.     

UFBU agreeing with the advice, expressed its willingness to have further talks to explore the possibilities of an amicable settlement.     

However, IBA insisted that unless the UFBU withdrew the strike, they would not be willing to hold talks.