The All India Overseas Bank Employees’ Union (AIOBEU) decided to defer its proposed nationwide strike scheduled for 2–3 February 2026 after a conciliation meeting with the management of Indian Overseas Bank and officials from the Government of India.
The union had earlier announced the strike over staff shortage and pending demands, especially the low number of Customer Service Associates (CSA) proposed for recruitment in 2025–26.
Why the Strike Was Announced
According to the union, the bank management had initially proposed recruitment of only 250 CSAs for 2025–26. The union strongly opposed this, saying the number was far too low considering:
- Large-scale retirements
- Promotions and resignations
- Expansion of branches
- Rising workload at branches
Due to the unresolved issue, the union issued a fresh strike notice on 7 January 2026 and began nationwide protest programmes.
Mass Protests Across the Country
From 9 January 2026, bank employees launched a mass campaign using WhatsApp posters, black badge protests, and social media outreach. Black Badge protest was conducted, social media campaigns were run and a mass demonstration was held on 23 January 2026.
- Black Badge Protest on 14 January
- Social Media Campaigns on 19 and 28 January
- Mass Demonstration on 23 January 2026
The response from employees was overwhelming and showed strong unity across the banking sector. Almost all the employees of Indian Overseas Bank participated in the protest.
Conciliation Meeting on 29 January 2026
A conciliation meeting was held on 29 January 2026 through video conferencing under the supervision of the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central). Representatives from the union, Indian Overseas Bank management, and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) participated.
What Was Decided in the Meeting
During the discussions, the management agreed to increase CSA recruitment from 250 to 350 for 2025–26. This is a 40% increase, but the union said it is still not sufficient to meet ground-level requirements
The management said that digital transactions have increased, so more clerks are not needed. The union rejected this statement and said that if this is the case, new branches should not be opened without adequate manpower.
DFS officials assured that the grievances raised by the union would be addressed. The management also proposed 450 CSAs for 2026–27, but the union rejected this and sought further discussion.
Bank Management said that now it’s not possible to increase vacancy as IBPS recruitment is going to be over soon.
Compassionate Appointment Issue Still Pending
The union also raised concerns about the delay in the Compassionate Appointment Scheme, saying there was no progress even after 75 days. The management said approval from DFS was pending and assured faster action. The conciliation officer advised resolving the issue within a reasonable time.
The conciliation officer urged Bank management to create a committee with equal representatives from management and union. This committee will look into the demands of the union and take appropriate steps.
Why the Strike Was Deferred
Although the union is not fully satisfied, it agreed to defer the strike due to:
- Intervention by the conciliation officer
- Assurances from DFS
- The fact that the IBPS recruitment exam is already over
- Agreement to form a joint committee with equal representatives from management and the union
The joint committee will hold fortnightly meetings and aim to resolve all pending demands within three months.
Union Warns Struggle Is Not Over
The union has made it clear that the strike has only been deferred and not cancelled. If the demands are not fulfilled, the strike may be called again.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
