Bank Officers To Launch Agitation

Work in public sector banks across the country will come to a halt on May 2 and May 25 as trade unions have called for an all-India strike to protest, among others things, the delay in wage revision and the privatisation of profit-making and viable public sector undertakings.

On May 2, the All India Bank Officers' Confederation, the All India Bank Officers' Association and the National Organisation of Bank Officers have decided to observe a one-day token strike to demand early salary revision, second option on pension and other long-pending issues.

"Even after six rounds of negotiations, the Indian Banks' Association is yet to make a substantial offer on wage revision. Other issues, including post-voluntary retirement scheme pressures, tax on perks, and compassionate appointments, confront officers without any solution," R J Sridharan, general secretary, All India Bank Officers' Association, said. A general tendency to bypass or attack unions had emerged, he added.

 

On May 25, central trade unions will strike work demanding a halt to the privatisation of profit-making and potentially viable public sector undertakings, immediate enactment of a comprehensive legislation for farm workers, and restoration of 12 per cent interest rate on provident fund deposits.

The central trade unions are of the view that there should be no change in labour laws in favour of the employers and against the interest of the workers. They are against policies leading to severe aggravation of joblessness and unemployment.