Bank Officers To Strike Work On Aug 29

Four bank officers' unions have decided to strike work on August 29 to protest, among others, the non-resolution of anomalies arising out of the last wage revision, non-review of existing compensatory levels in the light of increased post-VRS workload, issues relating to vigilance and disciplinary proceedings, and general tendency of bank managements to bypass the bilateral mechanism.

The All India Bank Officers' Confederation, the All India Bank Officers' Association (Aiboa), the Indian National Bank Officers' Congress and the National Organisation of Bank Officers' have jointly issued the strike notice to the chief labour commissioner (New Delhi), the regional labour commissioner (Mumbai), the chiefs of all public and private sector banks.

Referring to the joint note (in respect of officers salary revision) between the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and the Officers' organisations that was signed in December 1999, the Aiboa, in a statement said, the revision resulted in several anomalies vis-a-vis the seventh bipartite settlement signed between the IBA and workmen organisations.

It pointed out that despite protracted correspondence and interaction with the authorities there has been no forward movement so far.

In view of the post-VRS scenario of "explosive" workload imposed on officers', the unions contended that they should be compensated adequately by way of an allowance.

Further they have demanded determination of working hours for officers as the post-VRS situation.

The freeze on recruitment coupled with the VRS has led to the existing staff being overburdened and this has affected the quality of customer service at the branches. With banks groaning under a mountain of sticky assets, the depletion of staff has not only resulted in poor recovery of advances but also led to the staff becoming hesitant to take credit decisions in view of attendant risks and responsibilities.

The unions have demanded that vigilance against officers up to Scale V (assistant general managers) should be dealt with internally by the banks without any reference to the central vigilance commission.

Further they have protested the imposition of income tax on perquisites and allowances as these are purely functional and meant for business development.