AIBOC And UFBU Stand on Bipartite Settlement

AIBOC drifts away from Negotiated Settlement,
Officers Close to Committee: By Sri JN Shukla
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On 19th January, 2019, AIBOA Gen.Secretary Nagrajan wrote a letter to AIBOC Gen.Secretary. As it's no more secret, AIBOC alone went on strike on 21.12.2018, while AIBOA, NOBO & INBOC abstained from, though the issue in question was 'no mandate from 5 Banks for scale 4 to 7'. It smacks, nothing normal and cordial among 4 officers' Unions. Letter in question discusses the situations threadbare and raise a pointing finger on AIBOC. SBI, PNB, UNION BANK, Indian Bank & BOB has not given mandate for scale 4 to 7 having scale wise strength of 15280, 4655, 1176, 344 respectively. Bankwise strength stands as 14887, 2359, 1604, 230 & 2375 respectively.

AIBOA recalls the attention, how the agitation for mandate in PNB went fiasco. Further, AIBOA points out, how their suggestions to hold Dharna at SBI Corporate Office was termed 'difficult' and alternative suggestion for  HQs of Union Bank at Mumbai, PNB at Delhi, Indian Bank at Chennai was not heeded to. AIBOA tells, out of 21455 scale 4-7 officers of these banks, 69.38% belong to SBI, where Dharna was found 'difficult' to be held by AIBOC General Secretary, but as the fact stands, he pushed entire officers to strike on 21.12.2018. Total Officers Strike was easirr than Dharna before SBI Corporate Office, it tells the organizational story of AIBOC General Secretary in his own strong hold.

The AIBOA lamented over similar unpragmatic approach of AIBOC in 2009/2010 in second pension negotiation as it abstained from sitting and remaining 3 organizations had to join negotiation.

The AIBOA said, 10% are stonewalling the benefit of 90%. It's 'harsh reality', the Association said in its letter under reference.

It expressed it's serious concern to a case filed by AIBOC member in Madurai HC, which may jeopardise a negotiated settlement for officers. The Association termed it as 'worrisome' . The Association apprehends, like LIC, government shouldn't attempt to issue notification for wage settlement of Banks' officers where fix pay & variable pay component may be introduced as a package as a fact accompli.

The AIBOC has given a call for March to Delhi on 4.2.2019. It's strike of 21.12.2018 evoked no response from Bankers or the Government. The AIBOC has withdrawn itself from negotiation processes as well. Other officers associations are in complete disagreement with the approach & line of AIBOC. Situation is likely to precipitate further, as all other 8 constituents are committed to negotiated settlement. Workmen Unions have discussed their issues on 18the Jan. and next sitting will be on 2nd Feb.

The AIBOC has, perhaps, made up its mind to go solo on agitation, paving the way for government to issue notification appointing Committee for Officers Wages & Service Conditions, as is done in LIC case. It has been supporting, from behind, the forces who were demanding Pay Commission and were against Negotiated Settlement. They should have been frank and more transparent to their line. If there was Pillai Committee, let now be another Committee.


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In my post dated 21.10.14 I wrote as under :

"This time in the settlement it must be agreed to start for 11th Bipartite Settlement immediately after concluding 10th. Look, Central Govt. appointed 7th Pay Commission at least two years in advance and it is sure, the commission will give its report by the end of 2015.

"This will give enough time to IBA/ UFBU and keep Bank men at rest (peace). Present distrusts, mistrusts, confusions, chaos etc. can be ruled out."

A day earlier on 20.10.14 All India Bank Pensioners' Forum, wrote to Union Finance Minister on same line as well.

We don't know as to what view was taken by UFBU constituent Unions, but the Finance Ministry this time had advised Banks Executives/IBA some 22 months before the expiry of current settlement in January, 2016, to initiate the process of next settlement so that the same could be given effect from due date, i.e. 1.11.2017.

Some of the Unions are patting their    back, terming it as of their "Pahal". The Unions neither raised it during discussions of 10th B/settlement not altered the 6 month advance condition in this regard and agreed to same clause of 6 months to submit their demands.They failed all time to work up by the fixed time and last time they submitted their demands on 30.10.2012 just at the fag end of 9th settlement.

It was first time in the history of B/settlements that the government issues direction on it's own and that too 22 months in advance. In past, after submission of Charter of Demands there used to be lul for 6 to 12 months to initiate discussions. There used to be pressure including demonstration to press for negotiation. In this back drop, the step on the part of govt can be taken as a 'kind gesture' from government to conclude it before it becomes due.

Govt intention was to improve over earlier situation where settlements were clinched late by over two and a half year. Govt approach was similar to one followed in Pay Commission. 7th Pay Commission Report was in hand before 1st Jan. 2016. So, in bank employees matter govt wish was to have B/S early and implement from 1st Nov.2017.

However, it was foiled. Bank employees/ officers are yet to know who could be held responsible. Settlement is dragging and seems to be reached by first quarter of 2020.

On Pensioners issues, IBA's so called 'studies' are continuing. No one knows the time course of this 'study'. This plea was taken earlier on all occasions and same is repeated again on 18.1.2019. If joint notes of 2015 is looked, this study could have long back turned into degree quite before initiation on 11th settlement. But not so.

There is a very bright scenario for Banking fraternity. Prospect of arrear is quite swelling. One more good sign: with the swelling arrears, there is bright future for fat levy..! Ones loss is others gain!