Bank Employee to go for Nationwide Strike on November 12

A nationwide strike is called on by Bank employees on November 12 as they are demanding for an immediate solution to their wage hike issue. The talks on the wage hike issue were kept pending for long which had irritated the bank employees. The strike call is made by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella organisation which comprises various employee bodies.

Speaking about the strike call, All-India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) General Secretary C H Venkatchalam said that they are compelled to call for the strike as Indian Banks Association (IBA) has rejected their demand for higher wages. The bank employees have raised a demand for 11 per cent hike which was stated earlier as well.

The UFBU says that it will take out rallies on October 30 in all the state capitals along with other centres across the country. Following this one day rally, they will hold relay strikes on December 2 in the South, on December 3 in the North the next day in the West and on December 5 in the Northeast.

The General Secretary further warns that if their demands are not fulfilled then they will be compelled to take even strict moves like an indefinite strike.

He said, "We have categorically informed IBA that we will be reasonable and flexible in our approach provided the same is shown by the IBA on the issues raised by us. But IBA is adamant and has refused to improve their offer and stuck to 11 per cent (salary) hike."

Notably, a total of 27 public sector banks are there in India and the combined employee strength is about 8 lakh.