AIBOC requests Finance Minister to cancel Union Bank’s order to open branches on Holiday

Recently, Union Bank of India has decided to open Retail Loan Processing Centre’s (RLPs) on declared public holidays, including Sundays. The All India Bank Officer’s Confederation has requested the Finance Minister to intervene in this matter and resolve the issue.

What AIBOC said in letter

We urgently seek your esteemed office’s intervention regarding a significant and alarming issue at Union Bank of India, which deeply affects the bank’s officers. Recently, the bank’s Retail Asset Vertical directed Retail Loan Processing Centre’s (RLPs) to operate on declared public holidays, including Sundays. This directive does not address the weekly day off. As you may recall, many banks had branches operating on Sundays with designated weekly offs. In this case, the bank has remained silent on the weekly offs.

This unprecedented and inhumane decision violates the agreed principles between trade unions and management, including the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), for a balanced work environment. Our affiliate addressed this matter to the MD & CEO of the bank on 6th May 2024. Subsequently, our leaders have also approached the top management multiple times, requesting a patient hearing and a meeting to revisit the guidelines.

Despite this, no discussions have occurred, and the directive remains unchanged. Furthermore, executives are reportedly threatening and compelling officers to comply, issuing show cause notices, and threatening transfers to difficult areas, all of which violate service conditions and the bank’s transfer policy. Given these circumstances, we urgently request your intervention to direct the bank to revoke this arbitrary and unfair order. We seek a discussion with our federation to resolve this matter and restore peace within the bank.