The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) has written to the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), raising serious concerns about the poor working conditions faced by women employees in banks across India. These concerns were discussed during the 9th National Women Bank Employees Convention, held in Ahmedabad on February 8-9, 2025. The convention was attended by around 700 women employees from public sector, private sector, foreign, regional rural, and cooperative banks. Women employees from different states, including remote regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Assam, participated in the event.
The AIBEA has urged the IBA to take immediate steps to improve working conditions for women in banks and ensure a safe, healthy, and fair workplace for them.
Key Issues Highlighted by AIBEA
1. Lack of Separate Washrooms for Women Employees
One of the most shocking revelations from the convention was that many bank branches do not have a separate washroom for women employees. In some branches, there are no dedicated facilities for female staff, forcing them to use common washrooms or find alternate solutions, which is highly inconvenient and inappropriate.
AIBEA strongly opposed this situation, stating that every bank branch must have a separate washroom for women employees. Even if a branch does not currently have female staff, a washroom should still be provided, as women employees or managers may be posted there in the future. Additionally, female customers frequently visit bank branches, and they too require clean and separate restroom facilities.
The association also pointed out that in some branches, even where washrooms exist, they are in extremely unhygienic conditions. Employees should not have to request basic cleanliness in their workplaces, as banks have a responsibility to provide hygienic facilities.
AIBEA found it deeply disappointing that such complaints were being raised despite the government’s Swachh Bharat Mission, which promotes cleanliness and hygiene across the country.
To address this issue, AIBEA has demanded an immediate directive from the IBA to all banks, ensuring that every branch has a clean and separate washroom for women employees.
2. Violation of Women’s Sick Leave Policy
AIBEA also raised concerns about the denial of sick leave rights for women employees. Under the 12th Bipartite Settlement (Clause 26 iii), it was agreed that women employees can take one day of sick leave per month without providing a medical certificate. This provision was introduced after careful discussion, considering the specific health needs of women employees.
However, during the convention, several women employees reported that branch managers were forcing them to disclose the reason for their sick leave. In some cases, they were even asked to submit a medical certificate, which violates the agreement made in the bipartite settlement.
AIBEA expressed strong disappointment over this practice, calling it insensitive and unacceptable. The association made it clear that:
- Women employees do not need to mention the reason for their sick leave.
- No medical certificate is required for this leave.
- If any manager refuses to approve the leave or demands additional information, it should be reported as harassment.
AIBEA has advised women employees to immediately file complaints against any manager who violates their sick leave rights. The association has also urged IBA to take strict action against such practices and ensure proper implementation of the agreed policy.
3. Misuse of CCTV Cameras in Bank Branches
Another serious issue raised at the convention was the misuse of CCTV cameras in bank branches. While CCTV cameras are installed for security purposes and to monitor customer movements, some employees reported that managers and security officials are misusing the cameras to monitor female employees at their counters.
AIBEA expressed serious concern over this matter, as such behavior can lead to harassment and privacy violations. The association has recommended that:
- An additional CCTV camera should be installed behind the officials monitoring the footage to prevent misuse.
- Strict guidelines should be issued to ensure that CCTV cameras are not misused to harass women employees.
AIBEA Calls for Immediate Action
AIBEA has urged the IBA to issue a strong advisory to all banks, ensuring that these issues are immediately addressed. The association emphasized that basic facilities, fair leave policies, and a safe working environment are essential for women employees and should be a top priority for all banks.
The concerns raised in this letter highlight the urgent need for reforms to improve workplace conditions for women in the banking sector. AIBEA has assured its members that it will continue to fight for their rights, dignity, and safety at work.
