The General Secretary of All India Punjab National Bank Officers’ Association (AIPNBOA) said its members and circle-level leaders were fully prepared to participate in the proposed three-day bank strike.
AIPNBOA General Secretary Shri Dilip Saha said the association had made extensive preparations for the agitation and clarifications sought by circle leaders were provided from time to time through phone calls and messages.
Dilip Saha said the circle leaders had made strong efforts in their respective circles to ensure that the proposed three-day strike became a major success. He said the association had strongly conveyed to the AIBOC leadership that the three-day strike should first be held successfully and that any further discussions with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) or the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) should take place only after the strike and before the proposed indefinite strike.
According to Dilip Saha, even if further discussions were held with DFS or IBA, there should be a written assurance from DFS with a specific timeline for implementation of five-day banking. He also questioned the need for further discussions with IBA on the issue, pointing out that IBA had already given a written commitment regarding five-day banking in the last Joint Note/Bipartite Settlement.
AIPNBOA Not Part of UFBU-Level Discussions
Dilip Saha clarified that AIPNBOA is currently an affiliate of AIBOC and its leadership is not directly involved in discussions with the Central Labour Commissioner (CLC), DFS or IBA. He said the association can provide its views and suggestions and make preparations among its own members for industrial action.
Strike Deferral Shock to Members
Saha said the last-minute decision to defer the agitation came as a shock to both members and leaders. He said the preparations for the strike had been strong because of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the members.
Possibility of Five-Day Banking
Dilip Saha also said that, based on the discussions held between UFBU leaders and IBA, there could still be an understanding regarding approval of five-day banking. However, he said the decision may not have been included in the circular immediately because of legal and statutory requirements.
Call for Unity Among Bank Employees
Dilip Saha called upon members to remain united, saying that challenges for public sector banks are coming from different quarters.
