The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) recently issued a circular opposing a new government policy that it says threatens job security for public sector bank employees. The circular warns that the directive poses a risk to employees’ job stability and encourages staff to prepare for collective action against these changes.
Overview of the Government’s Directive
The Ministry of Finance, through the Department of Financial Services (DFS), has instructed top management at the State Bank of India (SBI) and other nationalized banks to conduct regular performance reviews of senior employees. This review aims to identify employees not meeting performance standards, who may then face early retirement. Specific guidelines for these reviews include:
- For SBI Officers: Review starts at age 50 or after 25 years of service.
- For Officers at Nationalized Banks: Review begins at age 55 or after 30 years of service.
- For SBI Clerical and Substaff: Review at age 58 and above.
- For Clerical and Substaff at Nationalized Banks: Review at age 57 and above.
If employees do not meet performance standards, the bank can issue a notice for retirement. Officers are eligible for a three-month notice or equivalent pay, while clerks and substaff may receive a two-month notice period.
AIBEA’s Stand: Opposition to “Intimidatory” Tactics
The AIBEA strongly opposes the directive, calling it “provocative and intimidatory.” According to the union, this directive ignores existing agreements in the Bipartite Settlements and Service Regulations, which already allow management to take action against poor performers. The AIBEA believes the directive unfairly targets employees and could disrupt the banking sector’s job security.
The union also highlights the challenges bank employees face, such as staffing shortages and high workload expectations. Many branches are operating with minimal clerical and substaff, putting more pressure on existing employees. AIBEA argues that this directive adds further stress for bank managers already dealing with pressure over target achievements.
Upcoming Strike and Union Resistance
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in Maharashtra has announced a strike on November 16, 2024, to protest this directive and other issues affecting bank staff. UFBU claims that bank employees are already experiencing increased threats and aggression from customers, borrowers, and political groups. They argue that the new policy could worsen safety and security for bank workers, who already operate under challenging conditions.
AIBEA Calls for Unity Among Bank Employees
AIBEA is urging all union members to unite in resisting this threat to job security. The union argues that rather than fostering a positive work environment, the government has chosen to increase pressure on bank employees through this directive. AIBEA emphasizes the need to protect job stability and maintain morale among bank staff and calls for collective action to preserve fair working conditions and job security.
This situation remains under review, and AIBEA is planning further consultations with the United Forum of Bank Unions to determine their next steps. The union’s message is clear: they will stand against any measures that compromise job security and employee welfare in the banking sector.
This is a measure to harass senior officers / staff. Senior staff is constantly being threatened with CRS- Compulsory Retirement- by Bank Executives. This is not a means to ” Cut Expenses” or increase profitability. If anything, PSBs should focus on & worry about the Low productivity of younger staff members .
Ps
I would say inefficient government which cannot pass by votes and inefficient FM who can’t even stand in election should retire