PNB Employees in Muzaffarnagar are protesting against the misbehavior of the Zonal Manager against a Chief Manager. Approximately 85 branches were closed due to protests by employees. The Chief Manager Jimmy Tirkey has also filed a police complaint against the Zonal Manager Mr. Balbir Singh. The protesting bank officials and employees demanded the removal of the Zonal Head and stated that their agitation would persist until appropriate action was taken.
The sit-in protest was organized by the All India Punjab National Bank Officers Association (AIPNBOA) and the Punjab National Bank SC/ST Welfare Association. Demonstrators converged at the PNB Divisional Office located on Circular Road in Muzaffarnagar. They voiced concerns regarding the alleged continuous harassment and humiliation of senior officers by the Zonal Manager of Meerut, Balbir Singh. On Tuesday, the Chief Manager Tirkey and Branch Manager Indrajit Singh were summoned by Zonal Manager Balbir Singh to his Meerut office for a meeting. It’s alleged that in the meeting, the Zonal Manager disrespected the officers and called them useless.
During this meeting, the Chief Manager was reportedly made to sit outside the office on stool for about six to seven hours, during which he was subjected to mental harassment and abusive language. The Chief Manager has also mentioned in his letter that caste-based language was used against him. The misbehavior and disrespect prompted all branch officers and employees from the Divisional Office in Muzaffarnagar to join the protest.
The association indicated that the top leadership of PNB has been made aware of Balbir Singh’s behavior, and assurances have been received regarding disciplinary action against him. However, if no action is taken, they warned of escalating protests. The association has said that they would not proceed with work until respect was reinstated, stating that future agitation would be planned collaboratively with employees.
