The UFBU has deferred the bank strike, proposed to be held from 28 to 30 September 2026. Late night on Sunday, UFBU announced the withdrawal of strike without the implementation of 5-day banking.
The entire banking fraternity had made extensive preparations and was fully geared up for the struggle. Thousands of employees and officers had demonstrated their commitment, courage and readiness to face all consequences in defence of their legitimate demands.
In such circumstances, the sudden deferment of the strike, without any clearly communicated concrete achievement or binding assurance, has understandably left disappointed and deeply hurt.
Bankers are asking UFBU to answer following 6 questions
1. What exactly transpired that led to the sudden deferment of the strike at the last moment? When the entire workforce was united and fully prepared, what compelling circumstances necessitated such a drastic change in strategy?
2. What concrete commitments were obtained from the Government/IBA? Were any specific, time-bound and actionable assurances given regarding five-day banking and the unilateral/discriminatory PLI issue? If so, the same must be placed before the members in clear terms.
3. What is the actual outcome of the meeting? If the outcome is merely the formation of another committee under a different name, members have a legitimate right to know how this constitutes sufficient progress to defer a major industrial action.
4. Why were the constituent unions and affiliates not taken into confidence before such a crucial decision? A decision affecting the entire banking workforce cannot be perceived as a matter to be communicated only after it has already been taken.
5. Why was the meeting convened at such short notice and without adequate transparency? The manner in which such a critical development was handled has raised serious questions among the members and the leadership at the grassroots level.
6. Most importantly, what has actually been achieved by deferring the strike? Have we secured anything concrete on Five-Day Banking? Has the issue of unilateral and discriminatory PLI been resolved or withdrawn? If not, the members deserve to know the precise rationale behind the deferment.
Bankers are saying the issue concerns transparency, accountability, collective decision-making and the confidence of thousands of members who stood united behind the call of their leadership.
The affiliated unions of UFBU showed complete faith in the leadership by preparing themselves for the struggle. That faith cannot be taken for granted. When such a major decision is reversed at the eleventh hour, the membership is entitled to a complete and convincing explanation.
Bankers have therefore strongly demanded that the UFBU/AIBOC leadership place the complete facts and circumstances leading to the deferment before all constituent unions and their members, including:
- What transpired during the meeting;
- Who proposed and supported the deferment;
- Whether such commitments are written, time-bound and enforceable;
- What exactly has been achieved on Five-Day Banking and PLI; and
- What is the concrete future course of action if the assurances are not fulfilled.
Bankers said they deserve answers, not merely a circular announcing a decision.
At this critical juncture, transparency is not optional and accountability cannot be deferred. The unity of the banking fraternity can remain strong only when the leadership and affiliates stand together with mutual trust, complete transparency and collective responsibility.
Following letter was written by Ambrish Nanda
General Secretary
M.P. Central Bank Officers’ Union, Bhopal to AIBOC
Loading Viewer…
