STRIKES IN PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS

Banking services are expected to be affected as employees of public sector banks across the India will go on a two-day nationwide strike on 6th & 7th August, 2009 to press for wage hikes and other issues.

There was a conference between employee unions and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in the presence of the Chief Labour Commissioner. However, it failed to give up any result, United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) Convener C H Venkatachalam said.

“We are going ahead with the strike,” he said, adding that the IBA has further reduced the rate of wage hike from the proposed 17.5 per cent to 13 per cent.

At the same time, the IBA further did not concede demands on pension and appointing dependents of deceased employees on compassionate grounds, he said.

Unions have called for strike on August 6 and 7 pressing for an increase in wages and another option to join the Pension Scheme.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Rajya Sabha while replying to a question said, wage revision of officers and staff of the public sector banks are due since November, 2007.

“The wage revision of officers and employees is negotiated by Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) that represents the management of such banks, which have mandated it to negotiate on their behalf, with the Unions or associations representing the employees and officers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the LIC employees throughout the country, including the State observed a two-hour strike preceding lunch recess today to register their protest against introduction of LIC Amendment Bill in the Parliament.

“The real motive behind the Bill, which increases the LIC’s equity from Rs 5 crore to Rs 100 crore is to pave the way for disinvestment of LIC,” mentioned a release from the Guwahati Division Insurance Employees’ Association.