PNB Officers start Non-Cooperation Movement Over Toxic Work Culture in Moradabad Circle
The All India Punjab National Bank Officers’ Association (AIPNBOA), Moradabad Circle, has written a detailed letter to the Circle Head raising serious concerns over the working conditions in the Circle. In the letter, the association alleged that officers are working under excessive pressure, facing an authoritarian style of management, and dealing with a continuously deteriorating work environment.
The association stated that it had earlier submitted a detailed letter on 17 July 2026, highlighting these issues. However, no response has been received so far, nor has any meaningful action been taken to resolve the problems. Instead, the management’s attitude has become more rigid, creating an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and mental stress among officers, which is affecting both employee morale and the overall work culture.
Officers Being Intimidated
The association claimed that since the present Circle Head assumed charge, the atmosphere in the Moradabad Circle has changed significantly. According to the letter, officers are allegedly being targeted even for minor issues, repeatedly questioned, and threatened with disciplinary action. It alleged that instead of motivating employees, the management is creating an environment where officers feel intimidated and constantly worried about punitive action. The association stated that this has adversely affected the confidence and morale of Branch Managers and officers across the Circle.
Questions Raised Over Mid-Term Transfers
The association also criticised the transfer policy being followed in the Circle. It stated that the Head Office had issued instructions that mid-term transfers should be carried out only under exceptional circumstances, but the Circle Management is continuing to transfer officers frequently without any genuine necessity. According to the association, these frequent transfers are creating hardship for employees, affecting their personal lives, and disrupting the normal functioning of branches.
Allegations of Unprofessional Behaviour
Another major allegation made in the letter relates to the behaviour of the Circle Head. The association claimed that the Circle Head has been interacting with Branch Managers and officers in an unprofessional manner by using harsh language, constant scolding, and intimidation. It stated that officers feel their self-respect and dignity are being compromised because of the way they are treated. The association alleged that the management is attempting to get work done through fear rather than cooperation and motivation.
Alleged Misuse of Administrative Powers
The association further alleged that instead of helping branches resolve operational issues, the Circle Management is escalating even minor mistakes to the Zonal Office and Head Office. It claimed that small operational shortcomings are being portrayed as serious offences, leading to unnecessary investigations against Branch Managers and officers. According to the association, this practice has weakened the confidence of officers and created fear throughout the Circle.
Delay in Officers’ Administrative Matters
The letter also highlighted delays in resolving administrative and personal matters related to officers. The association stated that several requests remain pending at the Circle Office for long periods and that there is no defined turnaround time for resolving these issues. It alleged that officers are neither informed about the status of their requests nor given timely resolutions, causing unnecessary inconvenience and frustration.
Officers Feel Their Hard Work Is Being Ignored
The association acknowledged that officers and Branch Managers are continuously working hard to improve the Circle’s business performance and rankings. It claimed that their efforts have contributed significantly to the Circle’s achievements. However, despite these improvements, the association alleged that officers rarely receive appreciation or recognition from the management. Instead, they reportedly feel neglected and unappreciated despite fulfilling all their responsibilities sincerely.
Fear of Disciplinary Action
According to the association, the current management style has created an atmosphere of fear within the Circle. It alleged that officers are regularly threatened with disciplinary proceedings, forced transfers, and other administrative actions. The association claimed that this has made the workplace stressful and unhealthy, ultimately affecting the smooth functioning of bank operations.
Complaints Regarding Leave Approval
The association also raised concerns over leave management. It alleged that even earned leave for Branch Managers is not approved easily and that officers often have to repeatedly follow up with higher authorities to get even a single day’s leave sanctioned. According to the association, this process is causing mental stress and dissatisfaction among officers. It further claimed that there is no clear and transparent policy for approving leave for Agricultural Officers, who are often required to seek approval from multiple authorities, including the Branch Manager, Chief Manager, and Circle Head, resulting in confusion and unnecessary pressure.
Work-Life Balance Allegedly Affected
The letter also highlighted concerns regarding work-life balance. The association alleged that officers and Branch Managers are expected to monitor and respond to official WhatsApp messages even late at night. It stated that after completing a full day’s work, employees are unable to spend time with their families because they continue to receive work-related instructions during late hours. The association claimed that this practice has severely affected the work-life balance of officers and increased mental stress.
Routine Matters Being Escalated
The association alleged that routine branch-level issues, which could easily be resolved locally, are unnecessarily escalated to the Zonal Office or Head Office. It further claimed that facts are sometimes presented without proper context, resulting in damage to the image of the concerned branch or officer.
Lack of Appreciation Despite Good Performance
According to the association, even when branches perform well and achieve excellent business results, officers are not rewarded with appreciation or encouragement. Instead, the management allegedly continues to seek explanations and issue administrative warnings, discouraging employees despite their good performance.
Branch Managers Feel Distrusted
The association also alleged that the management does not trust Branch Managers. It claimed that in some instances, customers are immediately connected through conference calls to verify information already provided by Branch Managers. According to the association, such actions undermine the dignity and credibility of Branch Managers in front of customers.
Allegation of Personal Victimisation
The association further alleged that when it raises issues concerning officers or employees, the management allegedly targets those individuals instead of addressing the underlying grievance. It claimed that such actions are against the principles of healthy industrial relations and discourage employees from raising genuine concerns.
Seven-Day Working Culture Alleged
The letter claimed that due to the existing work culture, officers are effectively working throughout the week. According to the association, officers are expected to remain available during holidays, are discouraged from taking station leave, and frequently receive performance-related advisories and instructions. It alleged that employees are working from morning until late evening almost every day, leaving little time for their families, personal responsibilities, or social life.
Association Announces Phased Non-Cooperation
Referring to reports of employee suicides and resignations in the banking sector caused by work pressure and mental stress, the association stated that immediate action is required to ensure employees’ mental health, work-life balance, and a safe working environment. It announced that it has decided to begin a phased non-cooperation movement with immediate effect. As part of this movement, members will withdraw all extra cooperation by leaving official management groups on online platforms such as WhatsApp, refusing to perform official work after 5:00 PM, and declining to work on holidays and weekends.
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