Circular No.5/VIII/2025

14^th Feb 2025.

To:

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS

Comrades,

CLARION CALL ON THE 45^th FOUNDATION DAY OF OUR ORGANISATION.

ORGANISE, EDUCATE AND AGITATE –

 OUR TAGLINE FOR THE PROGRAMES OF ACTIONS.

COLLECTIVE  RESISTANCE

AS THAT OF THE FARMERS IS THE ONLY WAY FORWARD.

Our organization along with other two officers’ organisations released a communication dated 27^th January 2025 listing out the demands which are unresolved for a considerable period of time for immediate resolution.  Our actions, made the other organisations operating in our industry to realise the need for reinventing the lost step after the meeting held at Chennai on 11^th December 2024 attended by 8 constituents.

2.         In the meanwhile, there was an Email containing the names of the representatives of AIBEA, AIBOC and NCBE addressed to other five constituents listing out the issues for the proposed programmes of action culminating in 2 days proposed strike in the last week of March 2025.

3.         There was a follow up exercise initiated by the representatives mentioned here-in-above for a Google meet on 4^th February 2025, for which, the link was not provided to our organisation with an excuse that our organisation will not participate in the event of an individual said to be representing AIBOA was allowed to attend the meeting.

4.         In spite of cogent and convincing reasons communicated by Email / Registered Post to constituent unions, the individual was allowed to sign the communication of programme of actions.

5.         Looking to the developments in the matter of dis-investment in IDBI and also on Recruitment on the floor of the parliament, in the best interest of the work force in the industry, the office bearers meeting of our organisation held on 13^th February 2025 decided to associate with the programmes of actions already released by the 8 constituent unions.  The meeting further decided to communicate with the 8 constituent unions to include the issues referred here-in-above along with up-dation of pension on the lines of RBI.

6.         The meeting also decided that the proposed strike notice to be served by the constituent unions on CLC / DFS / IBA should carry the signature of the undersigned, the legal right conferred by the Hon’ble Court, which also facilitated participation in the IBA meetings held from 07.12.2023 to 26.08.2024, including signing of the 9^th Joint Note on Officers’ Wage Revision on 08.03.2024 by 12 elected representatives of our organisation.

7.         Coinciding with the 45^th foundation of our organisation, we call upon our State Committees and Affiliated Units to actively participate in the programmes culminating in the two days proposed strike by the last week of March 2025. We reproduce the full text of our communication dated 13.02.2025 addressed to 8 constituent unions, the contents of it are self-explanatory.

With 45^th foundation greetings,

  Yours Comradely,

(S. NAGARAJAN)

TEXT OF OUR LETTER NO. ORG:46:2025 DATED 13.02.2025 SENT

TO ALL GENERAL SECRETARIES OF 8 CONSTITUENT UNIONS :

Comrades,

COLLECTIVE ACTION PROGRAMMES TO REALISE THE DEMANDS.

We are confident that our earlier communications sent by emails and followed by Registered Post must have been received at your end, explaining therein our concern to include three demands viz. 1. Up-dation of Pension on the  lines of RBI 2.  Enhancement of PLI for Scale I to III officers akin Executives and Board level appointees. Opposing the process of disinvestment in IDBI and restore the Status of Public Sector Bank for IDBI. Out of the three, two were partially covered.

2.         Looking to the statements made in the Parliament on IDBI as well as Recruitment matters, the tone and tenor of the owners are loud and clear.

3.         Looking into the larger unity of the workforce in our Industry and the Officers, who are at the receiving end due to  very many new issues cropping up at various Banks, AIBOA shall associate with the programmes of actions listed out in the communication culminating in the proposed two days strike in the last week of March 2025.

4.         Please take note that in the Strike notice to be served on the authorities by constituent Unions, AIBOA will be represented by the undersigned only, who has been legally conferred right by the court, because of which, in the discussions held by IBA with unions from 07.12.2023 to 26.08.2024, the undersigned participated . Besides, on 8^th March 2024, 12 elected  office bearers were signatories to the 9^th Joint Note on officers wage revision including the undersigned.

Please acknowledge receipt.

Yours Comradely,

/sd./S.NAGARAJAN.

Circular No.4/VIII/2025

14.02.2025.

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

FORTY FIFTH FOUNDING DAY OF OUR ORGANISATION                                     

Our organization was founded on 14.02.1981 at Orange City – Nagpur, 45 years ago, by the founding fathers of the banking trade union established in pre-independence India. The reason which forced them to form our organization was in the background of the then Government at the Centre trying to implement Bhoothalingam Committee recommendations to freeze the Dearness Allowance component i.e., for per point raise of DA the compensation was Rs.1.30 ps & for 4 points rise it was Rs 5.20 only. In addition to this attack on wages, Pillai Committee Recommendations for officers were to be implemented. It was decided to fight back against the then Government at the Centre, but ultimately one of officers’ union backed out at the last minute from the collective resistance approach. Thus, the formation of AIBOA was necessitated to halt the attacks on the workforce by the management and Government combine.

2.         The foundation Conference elected late Com. Prabhat Kar and Com. P.K. Menon as President and General Secretary respectively. Within 4 years period from date of formation, AIBOA submitted the first charter of demands to IBA under their leadership.

3.         AIBOA had very many forward movements made during this period notable amongst them are:

Ø  First Industry wise joint note was signed with AIBOA as national organization.

Ø  Opposed retrograde service conditions imposed like denial of promotions on seniority basis, restricting the sick leave to 540 days instead of 30 days every year without any ceiling, withdrawal closing allowance to officers in administrative offices and denial of Air travel to Officers in Scale I who was at the last stage of their pay scales.

Ø   Introduction of Pension in 1993.

Ø   Securing Computer Increment.

Ø   Post promotion rural service instead of a pre-condition for participation in the Promotion.

Ø  Echoing the requirement of regulated working hours and 5 days week in Feb 2006 and securing the same partially w.e.f. 01.09.2015 and

Ø  Achieving one more pension option in 2010, where 3,30,000 were brought under social security scheme.

4.         One of our affiliates i.e., AIUBOSA was in the forefront to challenge the APAR system in the High Court of Madras in the year 2012 and secured the benefit of Communication of APAR marks to all Officers and Appeal system against the marks awarded, the result of which has benefitted the entire officers’ community in all banks. Further, this affiliate is the one which is instrumental in getting the transfer policy guidelines for officers by its consistent approach and appeals to the managements and also to DFS and finally got the GoI guidelines dated 26.11.2024 for implementation in all Banks.

GLOBAL APPROACH ON AI.

AI IS DEVELOPED AT UNPRECEDENTED SCALE AND SPEED, AND BEING ADOPTED AND DEPLOYED EVEN FASTER. THERE IS A NEED FOR COLLECTIVE GLOBAL EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS THAT UPHOLD OUR SHARED VALUES, ADDRESS RISKS AND BUILD TRUST.

5.         As on date, our Industry is in the process of transformation, where upskilling of the knowledge is becoming the need of the hour. AI is being utilized to evaluate the APAR and also to effect the transfers of officers in Banks. Undue pressure is heaped on the officers at all levels at Branch level. Compensatory system settled through industry level understandings are altered unilaterally by the present Government. The present trend obtaining in technology driven environment is leading to worrisome.

6.         While we cherish the path pursued by our organization with remarkable imprints in the sands of the time, the retention of jobs and job security of the officers in the present day environment is certainly challenging. The best offensive available to the workforce is to acquire knowledge to deal with the situations. The tagline should be organize, educate and agitate to secure our dignity and self-respect in our Industry and also in the Society at large.

We shall collectively emerge as one man against all offensives let loose by the authorities at Bank level as well as at the industry level and remain more relevant to the society at large. All of us should learn from the farmers struggle and it should be the eye opener to all of us.

WITH FOUNDATION DAY GREETINGS,

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY.

Circular No.3/VIII/2025

07.02.2025

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS.

Comrades,

REALISING THE OLD  OUTSTANDING DEMANDS

 AND

 RECENTLY CROPPED UP ISSUES

THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTION PROGRAMMES.

To-day there was a communication (dated 07.02.2024) issued under the banner of UFBU listing the old demands as well as the recently cropped up issues for realization through collective action programs culminating in two days’ Strike in the last week of March 2025.

2.         There was a Google Meet held on 04.02.2025 amongst the eight constituent unions, as our organization was not provided with the link, due to the stand taken by us that an individual who is not authorized by AIBOA to remain present in the said meeting. Still, the meeting was conducted and certain decisions were arrived at in the meeting. On behalf of our organization, we have candidly reiterated that three issues are to be included. [1.] Up-dation of Pension on the lines of RBI; [2] Opposing the disinvestment of Government and LIC equities to private entities ; [3] Withdrawal of  Government of India directives on PLI.

3.         In addition to the above, the programs of action should be in two phases. First one to be taken: up-to first week of March 2025 and Second announcement of Strike by giving due notice of minimum 14 days’ notice to all authorities.

4.         Most importantly, the legally conferred right of representation to AIBOA should alone be accepted and not the individual who lost the secret ballot election in May 2023. In the forced absence of the undersigned in the Google meet on 04.02.2025, in spite of many unions expressing clear stand that the undersigned alone be the signatory to the circular, still to-day the individual has signed the circular along with other 8 elected representatives of the constituent unions.

5.         Comrades, we have candidly communicated our stand to all 8 unions in a letter to-day morning. The said communication is reproduced for the information of the officers. We shall be taking appropriate steps to take forward the matter for a logical conclusion.

Please await for our programs of actions.

Yours comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

TEXT OF OUR LETTER NO. ORG:40:2025 DATED 07.02.2025

SENT BY E MAIL TO ALL GENERAL SECRETARIES OF 8 CONSTITUENT UNIONS

Comrades,

PROPOSED PROGRAMS OF ACTIONS

 TO REALISE

THE OLD AND NEW PENDING DEMANDS.

Further to our organisational communications listing out the demands which are to be included, the then UFBU Convenor’s contention on representative Character of AIBOA, and participation of the undersigned as the General Secretary of AIBOA in the talks held by IBA from 07.12.2023 to 26.08.2024, it has been conclusively expressed in clear terms that the Undersigned in his capacity as General Secretary of AIBOA shall alone affix the signature.

2.         As the disinvestment exercise of IDBI is on the fast forward way (expected to be completed by 30.09.2025,) the same be included under opposing column. Equally, under the residual issues both issues are pending : 5 days banking week and Up-dation of Pension on the RBI lines, which were also listed in Strike notice served in January 2023 to CLC along-with other  issues. The issue of micro-management should restrict with withdrawal of directives of Government on PLI as the same was resolved at IBA level on 26.08.2024.

3.         The plan and programmes are to be conducted in two phases, during which period all efforts are to be made to prevail upon on the authorities to resolve the issues, failing which the strike notice can be served adhering to the provisions of law.

4.         In spite of the valid judicial orders in clear terms, AIBOA was kept away in the discussions from 07.12.2023 to 26.08.2024 by the then UFBU Convenor.

5.         While we stand for complete unity of the workers in our Industry, allowing an individual to sign representing AIBOA is absolutely unacceptable, as per the collective decisions of our Secretariat.

6. Please do-not proceed further in this regard.

Yours Comradely,

/sd./S.NAGARAJAN.

Circular No.2/VIII/2025

13.01.2025

TO ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Dear Comrades,

MONETISATION OF LEAVE FARE CONCESSION

ON THE LINES OF STATE BANK OF INDIA.

As you were aware that preceding to the inking of the 9^th Note for officers’ Wage Revision, there were three committees constituted for the purpose of sorting out the issues listed in the charter of demands submitted by four officers’ organisations. Accordingly, to sort out the issues relating to provisions of Leave and also LFC, a committee consisting of six representatives, three from officers’ organisations and  three from management was constituted.

2.         Com. Rupam Roy (AIBOC), Com.Prem Makkar (INBOC) and Ms.Trupti Alti (NOBO) participated in the meetings held on 13^th October 2023, 26^th October 2023 and 7^TH December 2023. There were 28 issues listed and the minutes were duly drawn. One of the issue was LFC, and in respect of which the recommendation by the Committee was “Implementing SBI’S revised policy may be considered”.

3.         The monetisation of LFC which had been renamed as Leave Travel Allowancein SBI and the reimbursement is on declaration basis in lieu of actual travel under LFCand the details in capsule form is provided hereunder.

·         The monetisation of LFC in SBI was introduced with effect from 1.04.2023.

·         The monetisation of LFC can be availed once in four years ie. Surrendering the four year block of LFC.

·         The cash benefit has been worked out based on the Air travel applicable to Officers in Scale II onwards up-to Scale VII.

·         The amount for business class travel per person is Rs 1,98,000.00 and for economy class is Rs 1,32,000.

·         While surrendering the four year block, the notional value is taken 75% of the entitlement.

·         That is in rupee terms it is Rs 1,48,500.00 for Business class travel and Rs 99,000.00 for economy class travel.

·         Whereas, as a Scale I officer, his/her entitlement is restricted  by train in 2^nd A/C. The Amount is Rs 14,100.00 and encashment is available for Rs 10,575.00 .

·         The officers above Scale II , can have the Leave Travel Allowance, for self and three members only, irrespective of the number of dependants.

·         The Leave Travel Allowance works out to Rs 5,94,000.00 for the Business Class executives and for Scale II, it is Rs 3,96,000.00.

·         The  Income tax on the  LTA will be deducted (app.30%)

·         In the event of officers prefer to avail the LFC, the number of dependants, (which is restricted to 3 for LTA,) all are allowed to undertake the journey.

4.         The above issue was presented before the then Chairman Negotiating team of IBA headed by Shri. M.V. Rao, MD&CEO Central Bank of India, on 13.02.2024 at IBA office, Mumbai. Our organisation could analyse the developments of the approach of the  negotiators, after our entry due to court directives. On the contentious issue of 5 day week and monetisation of LFC it was unanimously decided that all the five officers organisations should resort to direct action to secure the above two benefits.  Ultimately, in spite of  persuasions repeatedly not to fast forward the action, the date fixed for inking the 9^th Joint Note on 11.03.2024 at Chennai was preponed to 08.03.2024 at MUMBAI. Thus the issue of 5 day week as well as monetisation of LFC for officers other than SBI have been left high and dry.

5.         The total workforce in the industry has been denied of the Work-Life balance due to non-securing the 5 day week, whereas LIC workforce got the benefit from 1.04.2021 and enhanced Dearness Allowance compensation of 108.10% from 1.08.2017 onwards.

6.         Number of officers denied of the monetisation of LFC :

·         Total number of officers as on 31.03.2022.                              : 396 920.

·         SBI OFFICERS ALREADY BENEFITED FROM 1.04.2023 : 106,607.

·         NO of officers in Public Sector Banks.                               : 290,313.

·         40% are Scale I officer.                                                             : 116,132.

·         Remaining officers from Scale II to Scale VII denied

of the monetary compensation.                                             : 174,199.

7.         Hope, Officer Comrades of Public Sector banks are aware that subsequent to 9^th Joint note SBI officers were granted Grade pay of Rs 4000 for completion of 16 years of service upto 24 years and Rs 12500 on Completion of 24 years of service with effect from.1.08.2024.  ,This amount attract D.A, HRA and superannuation benefits.

To sum it up ;

 ALL ARE EQUAL AND

SOME ARE MORE THAN EQUAL.

8.  The time has come to halt the double standards and discriminations in our Industry.

Yours Comradely,

/S.NAGARAJAN/

GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No.1/VIII/2025

01.01.2025

TO

ALL STATE COMMITTEES / AFFILIATED UNITS:

Comrades,

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE YESTERYEAR.

MORE THINGS CHANGE, MORE THEY STAY THE SAME –

TRUE FOR 2025 TOO.

The old world order ravels and the new order tries to emerge, both politically and economically, the sameness will be messier- the saying goes.

2.         The yesteryear was one of tumultuous one for the world. Russia vs Ukraine war continued with the certain more aggressive steps initiated from both the sides. The outgoing President of USA Biden gave permission to fire US-supplied long range missiles at Russia. The recent trial of attacks by Drones by Ukraine escalated the tension further. The President-elect Donald assuming office may stop extending support to Ukraine financially as well as assistance in providing military arsenals to Ukraine, as he had promised to end the war in his election campaign. The Russian leader has expressed his desire to have peace talks with certain conditionalities. The future of war depends on two factors a) Russian Military is making gains in the battlefield and  b) Mr. Trump is assuming the office on Jan 20,2025. 

3.         The present crisis in West Asia is more severe than that of Ukraine. Unleashing the attacks on GAZA in October 2023, due to cross border raid by Hamas, so far 44000 Palestinians have been killed during 2024. An escalation of the invasion in Lebanon resulted in killing the top leadership of Hezbollah, followed by an attack on Iranian Embassy in Damascus culminating in a war between Iran and Israel. Taking advantage of the internal conflict within Syria, Israel grabbed more land in Golan Heights. The internal conflict within Syria resulted in direct loss to Iran and also to Russia. Syria provided an air base and also a Naval Base to Russia. Due to the serious conflicts one after another by Israel, internationally, Israel has been isolated. Will Donald Trump’s assuming office provide any relief to present crisis?

4.         Rising Superpower - China wants to expand its influence, while U.S - the reigning power wants to curtail its influence. The President elect has already threatened to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, which will resultant in trade tensions globally. Both nations are commanding their superiority in the Technology. The stand of USA in respect of Taiwan adds further tension. The cold war continues to heat up further.

5.         The demand of Bangladesh for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India, the falling rating of the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and withdrawal of the senior cabinet colleagues support to him, the David Camp Accord by the 39^th President of USA Jimmy Carter between Egypt and Israel and emerging one more threat to take the control of Panama Canal by the President elect Mr. Trump are the starring and stark realities of international developments, which are to be unfolded in 2025. 

6.         The seven phases of election conducted to elect the New Lok Sabha concluded in May 2024 participated by 63.9 crore voters out of the total Indian electorate of 96.9 crores. The ruling dispensation could not get the majority to form the Government at the centre. However, the TDP and JD(U) extended support to form the Government. In return, initially, they insisted for special status for Andhra and Bihar, while providing the financial support. They finally relented from their original demands.

7.         The Global average temperature recorded on 12.07.2024 was 17.16*C. This was Earth’s warmest day ever. The recent summit by United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) was held at Baku (Azerbaijan) from November 11 to 22, 2024. The emphasis was on climate finance to developing Countries. To facilitate the international trading of carbon credits, creation of a registry at UN was insisted upon.

8.         On 17^th November 2024, 5 lacs domestic passengers took off on 3100 planes, creating a new aviation milestone for the country. Ms. Manu Bhaker, an Indian Shooter, won 2 medals in 2024 Olympic Games. She is the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic Games. Our Hockey team won back to back Olympic hockey medals after 52 years. Master Gukesh aged 18 became the youngest world chess champion defeating Chinese player Mr. Ding Liren. Ms. Vinesh Phogat, Indian wrestler lost the Olympic medal due to 100 gm extra weight.

9.         In the NEET-UG (MBBS entrance Exam) which stirred a major controversy due to 67 participants securing 720 marks out of 720 in the examination, led to police investigation. The increase in search engine in Google was3800%. $ 6 billion value of iPhones that Apple shipped from our country- a record so far. The rapid adoption EVs in 2023-24 was 1095 every day compared to 215 in 2020-21.

10.       On 30^th July 2024, a small serene village in Kerala’s Wayanad District, along with the nearby villages was ravaged by three consecutive landslides killing nearly 400 people. This was one of the worst calamities that struck in our Country. On 18^th December 2024, a collusion between ferry and an Indian Navy Speedboat in the Arabian Sea off Coast of Mumbai claimed 15 lives raising concerns about safety and alleged negligence by the Navy.

11.       One of best Statesman acknowledged by the world leaders Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shri. N. Vaghul, an illustrious Banker par excellence, Shri. S.M .Krishna, a shrewd political personality, Mr. Zakir Hussain an Indian Table player and Com. Sitaram Yetchury a Marxist leader acknowledged by every party- our Country lost the notable personalities in the yesteryear.

12.       The dance of democracy, which gave a slight hope for the opposition national party, could not draw the same strength in Haryana and Maharashtra state elections. The freebies offered by the State Governments unmindful of the strains of the economy made the scales to twist and that too by the women voters at large. The winter session of the Parliament had its severe and serious adjournments. One Nation One Election amendments, Waqf Board amendment bill, Manipur crisis and inflation control were the prominent issues hanging on fire at present.

GREAT MINDS HAVE PURPOSES

OTHERS HAVE WISHES.

Yours Comradely,

S.NAGARAJAN.

GENERAL SECRETARY