UCO Bank Transfers Employees for sharing messages on Social Media

The All India Federation of UCO Bank Officers has written to the MD & CEO of UCO Bank expressing serious concern over recent disciplinary actions taken against some employees for their internal social media discussions.

In its letter, the federation said that a few UCO Bank officers had exchanged messages in internal union groups meant for internal communication only, not on public platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. However, the management allegedly took action and transferred some employees based on those private discussions.

Recently, UCO Bank has been at centre of some controversies. The Bank has released an order that no gifts will be given to employees on occasion of Diwali whereas some Banks such as Punjab National Bank have given gifts to employees. Click here to read this news in detail.

In another incident, an email has gone viral on social media, exposing serious allegations against a senior official of UCO Bank. The email accuses the official of displaying inhuman and toxic behaviour towards employees, sparking widespread outrage. In the email, an employee accused RS Ajith, Zonal Head of Chennai Zone, of creating a workplace filled with “fear and oppression.” The officer was described as treating colleagues like “servants rather than professionals.” Click here to read this news in detail.

So, it appears that Employees might be sharing some messages about the bank on social media (most probably on WhatsApp) and Bank has taken action against the employees as per the letter issued by federation.

The federation termed the action “unjustified and counterproductive”, stating that it violates employees’ right to express opinions freely. It pointed out that Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, while Article 19(1)(c) gives citizens the right to form associations.

The federation further cited Article 21, which ensures the protection of life and personal liberty, stating that unjustified transfers can negatively affect employees’ emotional well-being and livelihood. It also mentioned Article 14, which provides for equality before the law and prohibits discrimination, warning that such transfers could create a sense of unfair treatment within the organization.

The federation has urged UCO Bank’s top management to intervene immediately, review the situation, and take steps to maintain open and constructive communication between management and unions. It said such actions could otherwise create tension and mistrust between employees and management.