Punjab & Sind Bank AGM threatens to take disciplinary action against Staff participating in Strike
The All India Punjab & Sind Bank Officers Union has raised a strong objection to a communication issued by the AGM, CASA Back Office, allegedly threatening officers and employees with disciplinary action for participating in the upcoming strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
A screenshot of the email by AGM was shared on social media. As per the email, AGM Lokesh Kumar stated that in view of the proposed strike on 28th, 29th and 30th September 2026, CASA Back Office being a hub falls under critical service functions and Staff cannot proceed with the strike. So, all CBO officials are advised to report for duty on 28th, 29th and 30 September 2026. Any unauthorized absence/ participation in the strike in violation of applicable directions shall attract disciplinary action as per the Bank’s rules.
G S Khera, President of the All India Punjab & Sind Bank Officers Union has written a letter to the Chief General Manager of Punjab & Sind Bank, Zonal Office Chandigarh. The union has described the communication as coercive and alleged that it amounts to an unfair labour practice under Section 84 and the First Schedule of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
The union stated that threatening employees with departmental action or other penalties for participating in a peaceful and legal strike amounts to intimidation aimed at discouraging employees from exercising their statutory rights. It said that the UFBU strike has been called after giving the required statutory notice and is connected with the long-pending demand for implementation of a five-day banking week.
The five-day banking demand was formally agreed upon but has remained pending for more than 30 months and concerns the working conditions and welfare of bank employees across cadres, scales and designations.
The union also referred to the Supreme Court judgment in B.R. Singh v. Union of India, 1989, stating that courts have recognised the right to strike as a trade union right arising from the constitutional freedom of association. It further argued that administrative threats during collective action could affect industrial harmony. The union said that instead of resolving employee grievances through dialogue, such communications could increase tensions between management and employees.
The All India Punjab & Sind Bank Officers Union has therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the communication issued by the AGM, CASA Back Office. The union warned that if the communication is not withdrawn, it may organise protests in front of the Zonal Office in Chandigarh and initiate legal proceedings before the Labour Commissioner and Industrial Tribunal. It also stated that it may take other legal trade union actions and said that responsibility for any resulting industrial unrest would lie with the bank management.
