All India Punjab National Bank Officers’ Association (AIPNBOA) has urged Probationary Officers to join the upcoming 3-day strike on 28,29 and 30 September 2026.
AIPNBOA has raised concerns that some Probationary Officers are being advised not to participate in strike action on the ground that it could affect their seniority. In its Circular No. 09/2026 dated September 21, 2026, the association said that such messages were reportedly being given particularly in the Head Office Information Technology Division
The association said that it has taken up the issue with the Chief General Manager of the Head Office Information Technology Division.
AIPNBOA referred to the bank’s HRMD Circular No. 904/2026 dated September 4, 2026, issued following communications from the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). The association stated that the bank circular provides for the application of the “No Work No Pay” principle in case of strike participation. It said that the circular does not mention any impact on probation, confirmation or seniority.
The association therefore said that any communication linking participation in the strike with loss of seniority, probation or confirmation is not supported by the bank’s circular.
Constitutional Rights
Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(c) of the Constitution, provide freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to form associations or unions. Probationary Officer does not lose these constitutional rights merely because they are working in the bank.
AIPNBOA further referred to provisions of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, concerning unfair labour practices. It stated that interfering with or restraining employees from exercising their right to organise or participate in collective activities can fall under the provisions relating to unfair labour practices.
Probation Does Not Mean Suspended Rights, Says AIPNBOA
Probation is a period for assessing a new employee’s suitability for the post and does not mean that the employee’s rights are suspended. It stated that seniority and confirmation are governed by the applicable service regulations and settlements and, according to the association, these do not make lawful trade union participation a factor against a probationary employee.
The association further stated that its members, including some who were on probation, had participated in earlier strike calls without their seniority being affected.
Limited Exemption for Certain Employees
AIPNBOA also referred to Clause 37 of the 8th Bipartite Settlement dated June 2, 2005. According to the circular, Watch and Ward staff and employees responsible for installations requiring round-the-clock maintenance and surveillance are exempted from participating in strike action. The association described this as a limited exemption and stated that, apart from the categories covered by the clause, other officers should not be pressured or persuaded to attend office on strike days.
Association Seeks Action Against Discouraging Communications
AIPNBOA has called upon the concerned management to stop oral or written communications discouraging Probationary Officers or other officers from participating in the strike or linking participation with seniority, probation, confirmation, increments or posting.
AIPNBOA has thus, requested all the probationary officers to participate in the strike.
