INFORMATION AND INTERPRETATION--By Sri pannvalan
S No
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The Fact is
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And my Interpretation is
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1
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During the talks held on 26-09-2014, IBA has stuck to its previous offer of only 11% increase, which UFBU is reported to have rejected outright.
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The UFBU is clueless as to how to proceed further, after a long wait of 2 years. Perhaps it has forgotten its own strength or it thinks it has exhausted its entire arsenal against IBA.
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2
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IBA has advised UFBU to make a ‘climb down’ from their demand for 25% hike.
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It may be recalled that UFBU has already pruned down their demand from 30% to 25% hike. Now, due to further pressure from IBA on one side and constant indignation and condemnation from the ordinary members (especially the young ones) on the other, UFBU is learnt to have prepared themselves to accept a hike of 23%.
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3
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In the meantime, AIBEA has grown desperate to save its leader (CHV) who is the prime target of all members now. The young generation is terribly upset with the tardy process of talks and the ground covered so far.
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There are serious differences of opinion within the UFBU constituents now. Both regarding the minimum quantum of hike that is acceptable and the means to achieve it, the constituents have wide differences. This is echoed in their statements made to the press in the recent weeks.
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4
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Therefore, AIBEA leadership is understood to be ready for any hike exceeding 17.5% that was offered in 9th BPS. But, IBA is not ready to budge an inch.
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Cashing in on the opportunity thrown open, NOBW (affiliated to BMS) wants to cleverly hijack the whole issue now, so as to claim credit for the victory at the end, knowing fully well the final achievement will be far short of the expectations of bank staff and the original demands figuring in the joint charter of demands submitted in October, 2012.
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5
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UFBU has announced they will go on nation-wide strike on 28-10-2014, even though regarding the exact date of strike, differing voices are heard.
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UFBU has already wasted precious time of 2 years. IBA tactfully started the negotiations only after a delay of 12 months from the date of expiry of the previous settlement. The moment IBA indicated its humiliating offer of 5% at the start, UFBU should have woken up and understood the tricks of IBA. It must have embarked on a slew of agitational steps side by side, but without resorting to actual strike.
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6
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So far, several rounds of talks have taken place, but the progress achieved is very little and disappointing.
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The understanding reached with regard to revision of wages with effect from 01-11-2012 is not an achievement at all. It is very much implied, as this was the case in every settlement in the past. Furthermore, the proposal to merge D.A. at 4440 points (Sep. 2011 index), as against 4876 points (Sep. 2012) is shocking. It’s a retrograde step and is fit to be annulled.
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S No
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The Fact is
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And my Interpretation is
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7
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Two days ago, Sri G S Sandhu, Financial Services Secretary held talks with IBA officials. It was also reported that RBI is negotiating with bank employees in this regard.
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The outcome of these initiatives is not known so far. It may be a tactical move to defuse the situation. That’s all.
At the most, IBA may soften its rigid stand a little bit and may hike its offer by another 0.5% to 1% in the next round of talks, date for which has not been announced.
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8
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If any forward movement is noticed, AIBEA is ready to withdraw its call for the strike. That’s the reason why it has not mentioned the date of strike so far officially.
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It appears there is some secret understanding between IBA and UFBU and IBA and AIBEA in particular. It is kept totally confidential and I have a suspicion that AIBEA may be holding talks with IBA on a parallel track to push its own agenda.
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9
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It is understood from Ministry of Finance circles that bank unions may ultimately settle for anything above 13.5% which is the actual hike in ‘pay slip components’ (excluding provisions made for pension) in the previous settlement. But, it is an unconfirmed report.
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From the beginning I have been maintaining (much against my own wish) that these unions cannot be trusted and they may eventually agree for anything above 15%.
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10
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The ‘uprising’ by the youngsters in various parts of the country has given a jolt to UFBU.
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It will remind the UFBU of its inherent strength and may reactivate the inert leadership.
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11
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The schemes like PMJDY and ‘Swachh Bharat’ have made the plight of bank staff worse.
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Loud voices condemning the party in power can be heard everywhere in the country for exploiting bank employees to accomplish the ruling party’s political agenda.
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12
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Last but not the least, the existing wide disparity in wages of bank employees (as per 9th BPS) and the central government employees (as per 6th CPC) to the extent of 40% will widen further, even after 10th BPS and 7th CPC.
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The gap will widen to the extent of 60% after 7th CPC, whose recommendations may be enforced with effect from 01-01-2016, as per the past practice. It will lead to further discontentment and disharmony among the banking industry and may seriously jeopardise the government plans. The consequences will be disastrous to everyone in the country and may prove to be insurmountable too.
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Date: 02-10-2014
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