The Baroda UP Bank Officers Association and the Employees Union have issued a formal notice of agitation, citing the bank management’s failure to address long-standing personnel issues despite repeated assurances and government directives. The decision to protest was taken during a joint meeting of the working committee and core committee, where members expressed frustration over the management’s delay in resolving critical concerns.
The agitation, set to begin on March 10, 2025, will include a series of protests, including wearing black bands, boycotting third-party business, gate meetings, and a massive dharna (sit-in) at the bank’s head office on March 25. Employees have also announced a boycott of the annual closing of accounts, signaling their determination to escalate the protest if their demands are not met.
Key Demands
The employees and officers have put forward a list of 17 demands, which include:
- Implementation of the 12th Pay Agreement: Full implementation of the 12th Pay Agreement and 9th Joint Note as per government orders.
- Structural Talks: Execution of agreements reached during structural talks held on December 20 and 23, 2024.
- Loan Limit Increase: Raising the loan limit for serving and retired employees as per priority bank guidelines.
- TDS on Perquisites: The bank should bear the TDS on perquisites, similar to other priority banks.
- NPS Arrears: Immediate payment of 14% NPS contributions, including arrears, as mandated by the Government of India and NABARD.
- Promotions and Transfers: Effective promotion dates from April 1 of the vacancy year, timely transfers, and reconsideration of compassionate appointments.
- Wage Revision: Uniform maximum monthly wages for cleaning staff across all merged banks and revisions in road tour and hotel charge rates.
- EPR Amendments: Changes in the Manpower-based EPR system.
- Transfer Policy: Implementation of the transfer policy issued by the Government of India.
Management’s Inaction Sparks Anger
The employees have accused the bank management of deliberately delaying the resolution of their grievances, even after agreeing to structural talks and receiving clear instructions from the Government of India. The agitation comes at a critical time when the bank should be focusing on business growth, but instead, the unresolved issues have led to widespread dissatisfaction among staff.
Rajesh Khare, President of the Baroda UP Bank Officers Association, stated, “The management’s procrastination has forced us to take this step. We are left with no choice but to agitate to ensure our legitimate demands are met.”
Impact on Bank Operations
The agitation is expected to disrupt normal banking operations, with employees boycotting third-party business and refusing to participate in the annual closing of accounts. The unions have warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, the protests could intensify, further affecting the bank’s business and customer services.
Appeal to Authorities
The unions have sent copies of the agitation notice to key authorities, including the Secretary of Banking and Financial Services, the Chairman of NABARD, and the General Manager of Bank of Baroda, urging them to intervene and ensure the resolution of the issues. They have also informed local administrative and police authorities about the planned protests to maintain order during the agitation.
