The management of Indian Overseas Bank has locked the office premises of the Indian Overseas Bank Officers’ Association (IOBOA), located within the bank’s Head Office building, by affixing an additional lock. Can Bank do this? Read the news and share your opinions in the comment section below.
This building, allotted by the bank itself, was the office of the association alongside the award staff union office for several decades, serving as the nerve centre for our activities, member communications, and grievance redressal.
The office staff, who arrived for their routine duties, were denied entry and forced to stand outside the premises for the entire day, enduring unnecessary hardship and humiliation. This was done without any prior notice, explanation, or opportunity for us to address any purported concerns. The association has termed it an attack on legitimate trade union activities.
Also Read: How much cash can be deposited without PAN under New Income Tax Act 2025?
The matter was escalated to the General Manager (HR) via email, demanding an immediate resolution and restoration of access. To further seek an amicable solution, senior office bearers personally visited the GM(HR)’s office, but were denied an audience, which is a clear indication of the management’s unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
It was informed that the association office will be permitted to be kept open only after 5.30 PM daily, which is nothing short of suppressing our voice and restricting our legitimate trade union activities.
The Association says that this act from management is due to the strike announced by the management. IOBOA has announced a one-day strike on 02.03.2026, demanding work-life balance and against the toxic work culture in the bank.
Also Read: How many vacancies in Finance Ministry? Govt gives Vague Reply in Lok Sabha
The schedule of the strike is as follows:
| Date | Programme |
|---|---|
| 09.02.2026 | Serving Strike Notice to Bank / CLC(C) / DFS |
| 11.02.2026 | Social Media Campaign – to continue till strike |
| 12.02.2026 & 13.02.2026 | Badge wearing (2 days) |
| 16.02.2026 | Withdrawal of extra-cooperation – to continue till strike |
| 19.02.2026 | Quitting official WhatsApp groups |
| 21.02.2026 | Submission of Memoranda to Finance Secretary, DFS / Hon’ble Finance Minister |
| 23.02.2026 | Demonstrations at all Regional Centres |
| 26.02.2026 | Dharna at regional centres |
| 02.03.2026 | One-day All India Strike |
The demands of the association are as follows:
- Restore humane working hours and dignity
(Discontinue routine EOD blocking and forced late sittings, Stop calling officers on holidays except genuine exigency, Ensure safety protocols, especially for skeletal branches and women officers) - Ensure work-life balance and workplace safety
(Restrict Video Conferences / Virtual Meetings / reviews strictly within office hours, maximum up to 6.00 PM, Rationalise frequency—avoid daily multi-VC regimen, Right to Disconnect—regulate after-hours messaging and WhatsApp groups) - Withdraw regressive “probation on promotion” clause
- Revive bilateral negotiations immediately
- Guarantee fair & transparent HR governance
- Ensure adequate staff recruitment, security and welfare measures
- End to unilateral policy changes without consultation
- No coercive surveillance and rating mechanisms
- No arbitrary “leave denial” and “loss of pay”
- No intimidation and unprofessional review culture
- No unjust salary recoveries and penalties
Also Read: What is Section 247 of the Income Tax Act 2025? Why is it controversial? Explained
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
