ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION CIRCULAR DTD 30.10.2013

ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION

Workers Parliament – Follow up Measures 

Convention held on 6^th August 2013

C.T.U.s Parliament March on 12^th December, 2013

Parliament March on 11^th December 2013 organised 

by AIBEA  on Banking Sector Issues

On 4^th September, 2011, the Central Trade Unions viz., BMS, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, AICCTU, UTUC, TUCC, LPF, SEWA  organised a “Workers Parliament” at New Delhi and unanimously resolved to escalate the programmes of actions against the anti-people and anti-labour policies of the Central Govt., highlighting the following points.

^{1.     No Contractorisation of work of permanent / perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry / establishment.}

^{2.     Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the  schedules  and  fixation  of  statutory  minimum wage at not less than Rs. 10, 000/- linked with cost price index.}

^{3.     Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; Increase the quantum of gratuity.}

^{4.     Assured Pension for all}

^{5.     Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98}

^{Accordingly, AIBOA along with AIBEA, particpated in the “All India Stay out Strike” on 28th February 2012 and demonstrated our concern in common cause with Central Trade Unions.}

^{The Government of India continued to be callously indifferent and was absolutely unconcerned with the massive response of the common people of our dear Nation.  While reviewing the performance of action by the “CTUs”, the following additional points to the earlier 5 point agenda making it 10 point charter.  The strike of 28.02.2012 received worldwide coverage too.}

^{1.     Concrete measures to contain price rise}

^{2.     Concrete measures for employment generation,}

^{3.     Strict enforcement of labour laws,}

^{4.     Universal social security cover for organized and unorganized workers and creation of National Social Security Fund}

^{5.     Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs / Undertakings}

^{Once again, AIBOA gave a call for a strike as per the decision of Office Bearers meeting held at Delhi on 5th February 2013.  During the interim period of one year the living condition of the citizen of the country deteriorated steeply.  As if the Govt., wanted to avert the “2 days strike”,  having sensed the mood and serious preparations by the total CTUs, a meeting of “G.O.M”. with TU leaders was arranged on 18.02.2013 at 8.00 pm.  The last minute attempt of the Government was nothing but an eyewash.  The strike on “20th & 21st February 2013” was a resounding success.  Unions in the Financial sector stole the show, as the lifeline of the economy was choked.}

^{On review of the situation by the CTUs in the convention held at Delhi on 6th August 2013 Com.Alok Khare, Vice Chairman and Com.Sanjay Khan, Joint Secretary, represented AIBOA.  The convention decided the two stages of programmes of action ie; on 25th September 2013[Dharna] and the next one on 12th December 2013.[Morcha to Parliament]}

^{AIBOA having always identified with the common people causes/issues and participated in the one/two days strike on”28.02.2012 and on 20th and 21st February 2013, naturally shall participate in the Morcha organised by CTUs on 12th December, 2013.}

^{The lifeline of the economy is the Banking activities.  Having the capacity to handle a total business of the Rs.131 lacs crores business as on 20.09.2013, the importance given by the owner and the controller to the Financial system is absolutely scanty.  “New Licensing policy”, foreign Banks have been indicated to take over Private Sector Banks “Specialised Banks” and Banks are free to open Bank branches are some the pronounced approach of the RBI.  Non performing Assests – Bad loan portfolio of each Bank is on the rise and hence alarming.}

^{AIBOA in its sixth conference held at chennai in December 2011, resolved to fight against the Government anti people, anti labour and also the Reforms policy that affects the Banking Industry too.}

^{AIBEA,in its 27th conference held at Kochi, resolved to take up the issues affecting the Banking system to draw the pointed attention of Government of India through a “Parliament Morcha” on 11th December 2013.  Keeping up the tradition of fighting for the common cause in Banking Industry along with AIBEA, all our units are advised to participate in theParliament Morcha on both days without fail.  More focussed attention shall be by the State Committees of “Delhi”, “Rajasthan”, “ Haryana”, ”Punjab” and  “UP” and hence they have to organise the officers for the Morcha in a big way.  Please take all steps to make the participation a meaningful and effective.}

^{Yours comradely,}

^{/S.NAGARAJAN/}

^{GENERAL SECRETARY}

Programmes of Action Stand Deferred-Kudos to Rajasthan and Punjab State Committees

ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION

  

From August 2010, the threats of “mergers and acquisitions” had gained the momentum, when State Bank of India and erstwhile State Bank of India Boards were compelled to fall in line with the thinking of Government of India on amalgamation of Banks.

We, from AIBOA along with AIBEA and BEFI observed the strike call in December 2010 against the “forced merger” of State Bank of Indore, though, it was committed that UFBU would give a strike call against mergers of Banks.  But in 2010, the decision of UFBU to observe the Strike call remained unimplemented.

The State Bank administration is in the process of examining the pros and cons of the exercise of merger of Associates with SBI and job has been entrusted to one of the top functionary of the bank.  “Prevention is better than cure” the saying goes.  Keeping in view of the changing and dynamic situation of the present financial systems, AIBOA directed the six State Committee viz., Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and also at four Metro centres to observe the Dharna, according to the local convenience, on or before 25^th September, 2013 “opposing the proposed merger of Associate Banks”.

On 23^rd, September, 2013, our Rajasthan State Committee conducted the Dharna which was inaugurated by Com.Lokesh Mishra, President, RBEU by garlanding the leaders in which nearly more than 30 comrades participated in the Dharna.

Today our Punjab State Committee has conducted the Dharna at Patiala in which good number of officers have participated.

We learn that the Strike action on 25^th September 2013 has been deferred.  Though mergers continue to haunt the workforce of the Banking Industry every now and then,  the functional regrouping of Public Sector Banks is already underway.  We advise the State Committees to put on hold the Dharna to be held on 25.09.2013.  An explanatory meeting on impending threat should be conducted at the earliest.

Banking has become the “Central subject” to Government of India, due to the strikes.  Equally, it is time that “mergers and acquisitions” should be the main topic in the UFBU, as the jobs and job security are under attack.

KUDOS !  Rajasthan and Punjab State Committees for having implemented our directions with seriousness.

With greetings,

Yours comradely,

  

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Collection of Advance Tax - Extension of Working Hours on Saturday and Sunday

ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION

MIN:RBI:99:2013                                                                                 September 14, 2013

                                                                                                             [Confirmation of FAX]

The Secretary

Department of Financial Services

Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India

Jeevan Deep, 3^rd Floor, Parliament Street

NEW DELHI-110 001

  

Sir,

           Collection of Advance Tax- Extension of Working hours

           on 14.09.2013 and Holiday working on 15.09.2013

Our attention has been drawn to the instructions of Ministry of Finance given to RBI with a copy endorsed to the Chairman, Indian Banks’ Association that Bank branches are to be kept open on the Saturday the 14^th September 2013 as well as on the Sunday the 15^th September 2013 to facilitate the Tax payers to pay the Advance Tax for the quarter ending 30.09.2013.

Payment of quarterly Tax payment is a statutory obligation / requirement by such tax payers.   They are expected to clear the payment well in advance and not at the last day fixed already by the authorities and also notified to all concerned.

The instructions of Government directing the functioning of Bank offices in Kerala in particular has certainly affected the religious sentiments of the workforce as the “State Festival - ONAM” is falling on that day ie; 15^th September 2013.

While facilitating the tax collection at the designated Bank branches is considered as nation building exercise, still the following alternatives are to be considered by the Government, to avoid the reoccurrence once again.

 a] Extension of the date from 15.09.2013 to 16.09.2013 for payment of Advance Tax.

b]Officers who undertake the job to attend to the assignment on 14^th and 15^th September 2013 should be adequately compensated in the form of out of pocket expenses on both days coupled with one day compensatory off for working on “SUNDAY”.

c]Once the first option is considered the workforce at Kerala would be automatically relieved of the peculiar situation.

 We request you to consider our suggestions and appropriate instructions to RBI and to IBA Chairman may please be sent, for which, we shall ever remain obliged.

Yours faithfully,

  

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Copy to:

 The Chairman, Indian Banks’ Association, Mumbai

The Chairman & Managing Director of Public/Private Sector Banks

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2nd CENTRAL COMMITTEE DECISIONS ARRIVED AT FOR IMPLEMENTATION

 ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2^nd CENTRAL COMMITTEE

DECISIONS ARRIVED AT FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The meeting of second central committee of our organisation was held at Tarak Institute of Banking & Trade Union Research at Mamallapuram on 4^th and 5^th August, 2013 as per the decision taken at the extended Office Bearers meeting held at Chennai on 21.06.2013 in the background of the sad demise of our respected leader Com.R.J.Sridharan, Chairman of AIBOA.

2.         The meeting was presided over by the Joint Presidium consisting of Com.Alok Khare, Vice Chairman, Com.Dr.Kumar Arvind, Com.Venkatesh Babu and Com.Dayal Babu, Vice Presidents of AIBOA.

3.         After unfurling the flag of AIBOA at the meeting venue, followed by the floral tributes by the entire committee to the departed leader of officer’s movement under the banner of AIBOA Com.R.J.Sridharan, the photograph of Com.RJS was also unveiled at the entrance of the Institute, by Com.Alok Khare, Vice Chairman of our organisation.

4.         The meeting proceeded with the agenda listed in the notice one by one.  The first being the homage to the departed leader of our movement – Com.RJS.  The presidium directed that those office bearers and State Secretaries who could not remain present on 21.06.2013 should come forward to pay the homage and accordingly almost all the State Secretaries and CC members placed their personal experience with Com.RJS and rich tributes to his extraordinary human virtues he possessed and also put into practical application in day do day walk of life.

5.         Com.G.Gunasekaran, as the President of Tamilnadu State Committee of AIBOA, presented the resolution to name the building at Mamallapuram as COM.RJS BHAVAN.  It was accepted unanimously.

Further Com.Narendra Kotiawala and Com.Rajan Chandorkar, of AIBOA-Maharashtra State Committee requested the house to install marble bust of COM.RJS and an amount of Rs.1,00,000/= will be paid by their State Committee.  Com.S.K.S.Sengar, Joint Secretary, AIBOA, has assured to take up this assignment for its fulfilment at the earliest.

The CC thereafter adopted the condolence resolution in the memory of Com.RJS.

6.         Com.M.A.Srinivasan, Deputy General Secretary, AIBOA read out the minutes of the Bengaluru CC meeting held on December 2-3, 2012 which was adopted unanimously.

7.         The developments after our Bengaluru CC meeting were reported to the benefit of the members.  The details are [i] Participation in the strike by AIBOA on December 20, 2012; [ii] exemption granted to Branch Managers from the participation in the strike on 20.12.2012; [iii] All India Strike on February 21-22, 2013 by CTUs and AIBOA’s participation and also decision to focus the issues [iv] regulated working hours; [v] 5 days week [vi]  Associate Bank mergers with SBI [vii] Functional merger of Public Sector Banks based on technology platform and  [viii ]Attack on Trade Union rights.

Com.C.H.Venkatachalam, General Secretary, AIBEA who had participated in our CC, presented the birds eye view on economy, national scene, role of CTUs and response from the Government and the imperative need to be vigilant to fight back the offensives of the Government by our active participation in the activities and action programmes of CTUs.

On his presentation, the views of AIBOA were expressed in a candid and capsule way, to uphold the organisational ethos and also the commitment in dealing with the decisions of both the organisation, with sincerity.

After a meaningful deliberations participated by the 19 all India Units and 17 State Committees representatives, it was decided as under:

1. Addressing a communication to Govt. of India, RBI and Secretary, Department of Financial Services about the mismanagement of Banking affairs in the United Bank of India by the present administration.

2. On strike participation, Office Bearers will be consulted prior to the announcement by AIBOA.

3. On “Regulated Working Hours, 5 days week, Merger of Associate Banks with SBI, Functional merger of Public Sector Banks based on technology platform and attack on trade union rights” other Officers Organisations are to be approached to develop a common programme of action and the CC authorised the General Secretary to chalk out the programmes for its implementation.

4. A detailed document on “DOS” and “DONTS” while discharging the official duties, “why to join AIBOA” and also the Service Regulations applicable to officers with particular reference to new Probationary officers will be displayed in our website, for the benefit of the officers.

5. On uniform holiday due to Grid Based System of clearing, AIBOA would take up with appropriate authorities and the menace of the outsourcing has to be halted without any lapse of time since it would be adversely  affecting the confidentiality of the customers.

6. On the points raised in the earlier committee held at Bengaluru and decisions arrived at for implementation an action taken report will be submitted in a short time.

7. On the inconsistency in the guidelines on Promotion and on transfer, the CC has authorised the Secretariat to take up the same with the Government of India.

8. It was decided to establish [i] Private Sector Cell [ii] All India Women’s Council and also to understand the Officers problems in Cooperative Sector through a meaningful dialogue with AICBEF and AIBEA.

9. On the Charter of Demands, the CC was briefed about the present lullness prevailing at the Bankers level and efforts are afoot to focus the need to move the wheel ahead for progress.

10.  After careful consideration of the reporting on the harassments meted out to the officers in the matter of departmental actions, the long felt desire of the officers to be governed by a judicial redressal system as that of C.A.T. to Govt. officers, should be actively pursued / taken up with Government authorities on priority basis.

11. The CC has directed the affiliates in Punjab National Bank and Dena Bank to take appropriate actions with reference to the role of award staff federations and their functioning which are not in consonance with the apex level understanding.

12. TARAK INSTITUTE – The decision to utilise the premises at least for 100 days in a year and the earlier decision to reiterate that the affiliated Units are to utilise the same by conducting one CC or defence class or Study exercises once in 18 months.

13. TWO ROSES – The present status of the official magazine was reported to the CC and present level of subscription should be enhanced to 10000 as the same was decided in our Hyderabad extended Office Bearers meet.  The publication was well received by the subscribers.

14. ACCOUNTS – The audited Statement account for the period ending 31.12.2012 was placed and the same was adopted unanimously.  The receipts and payments for the period 01.01.2013 to 30.06.2013 was placed for the information of the CC members.

15. The CC decided unanimously to meet out the medical expenses upto 50% incurred for the treatment of late Com.RJS.  Further theGeneral Secretary was authorised to take appropriate steps to extend all possible help to the dependents, as they belong to the AIBOA team, to the fullest measure.

16. Good work done by AIBOA-TNSC – The CC placed its whole hearted appreciation for the successful conduct of the two days session and the excellent arrangements made by AIBOA-Tamilnadu State Committee backed by the back office staff of AIBOA Central office and also the Institute caretaker.

With greetings,

Yours comradely,

 /S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY