‘Who will get their Sunday back?’: Ex-banker accuses banking unions of ‘betrayal’ in viral post as three-day strike postponed | Today’s news
In response to the sudden postponement of the 3-day nationwide bank strike, the former banker called on the leadership of the United Forum of Banking Unions (UFBU) for what she described as a “capitulation”.
In a viral Instagram post, Swarnakshi Jha, a former PSU banker, highlighted the immense sacrifices made by bank employees leading to the planned strike.
Read also | Explained: Why the 3-day bank strike was postponed
“Sacrifice Sunday”
“Bank employees were called to work on weekly holidays. Vacations were canceled. Probationers were pressured. Families were asked to adapt,” she wrote, stressing that workers “were prepared to lose three days’ pay because they believed their collective leadership would be strong.”
Quick answers to key questions
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The three-day bank strike was called to press for the introduction of a five-day banking week, among other demands including the scrapping of performance-linked incentive schemes.
The strike was called off after a meeting of the Association of Indian Banks and the United Forum of Banking Unions during which key decisions were taken, including the formation of a high-level committee to discuss the demands.
Among the main demands are the introduction of a five-day banking week, the declaration of all Saturdays as holidays and the solution of adjustments to incentive programs linked to performance.
Bank staff expressed frustration and a sense of betrayal, feeling that their victims had been undermined as decisions were made without sufficient transparency or consultation.
After the adjournment, it was agreed that discussions would continue and a high-level committee would be set up to deal with the demands and explore alternative solutions.
However, the planned strike was called off at the eleventh hour. “Then, just hours before the strike, the management backed down,” Jha said, criticizing the lack of transparency behind the decision.
She pointed out that “there has been no public consultation with ordinary members”, “no clearly published written assurances” and “no visible success commensurate with the sacrifice required”.
“Association Fees Are Not Donations”
Expressing the deep frustration of bankers, Jha questioned the expectation that employees would simply return to their branches. “And now employees are expected to report on Monday as if nothing happened?” she asked.
In a scathing rebuke of union leaders, she said: “Don’t ask bankers for unity when decisions are being made without them. Don’t collect membership fees and then disappear when representation is most needed.”
She forcefully reminded unions that “association fees are not donations” but rather “payment for representation”.
Read also | Bank staff worked on Sunday but Monday’s strike was postponed, sparking online memes
Requirement of responsibility and resignation
Jha demanded immediate accountability and called on the management to prove that the delay was justified. “If this strike has been postponed due to a real breakthrough, please publish a written commitment, a deadline and consequences if this commitment is broken,” she demanded.
If such proof cannot be provided, she argued, “the responsible officials must resign.” She also noted that ordinary union members have every right to “collectively reconsider who they pay to represent them.”
Jha concluded with an impressive assessment of the situation: “Employees sacrificed their Sunday. Management sacrificed their trust. This trust will not be returned in the next circular.”
In a scathing condemnation, she wrote: “SHAME FOR THE MANAGEMENT THAT DEMANDS SACRIFICE FROM EMPLOYEES BUT OFFERS SURRENDER.”
A screenshot of a viral postRead also | Good news! No bank strike today after yesterday’s 9:30 session — 4 top takeaways
Why was the three-day bank strike postponed?
From September 28 to 30, banking unions were expected to stage a nationwide bank strike. However, the strike was postponed after a meeting of the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and UFBU at 9.30 pm on Sunday.
Key decisions were taken during the meeting.
According to the UFBU circular, “a high-level committee of the IBA and the UFBU will be constituted immediately to discuss the demand to declare the remaining Saturdays as holidays and explore alternatives to arrive at a solution acceptable to all stakeholders and customers.”
On the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for officials at Grade IV and above, both sides agreed that discussions could begin with the IBA suggesting adjustments to the government to address the comments raised by unions and associations.
The circular stated that the remaining issues mentioned in the minutes of March 8, 2024 will also be brought up for discussion for early resolution.
“In view of the above, it has been agreed by the UFBU that the proposed agitation programs and strike action will be postponed,” the circular further stated.
