WHAT IS GOING ON IN STATE BANK OF INDIA?

Unwarranted provocations and attacks on trade union rights in State Bank of India

Genesis of the Issue:

The new Chairman took charge of the bank during April 2011. In May 2011, there was a meeting between the leaders of the Federation /Circle Association wherein we had been assured to look into all the outstanding issues with the Federation and a few issues were flagged for urgent consideration.

Ø  Since then there was no real progress in addressing the issues though a few meeting was held.

Ø  The Federation was compelled to issue a strike notice to strike on 8^th and 10^th November 2011. The strike was withdrawn on 5^th November 2011 on the assurance of the management that discussions will remain and positive view will be taken on all the issues.

Ø  Contrary to the assurances the top Management’s attitude towards the Federation changed and every action of Federation was treated with disdain.

Ø  Top Management personnel in all the Circles who used to participate in Association functions have now withdrawn from participation at the direction of the Chairman.

Ø  All bi-partite forums like Central/Circle Negotiating Councils were not conducted at regular intervals.

Present Crisis:-

Ø  During August  22^nd  and  23^rd of 2012 United Forum of Bank Unions called for a strike on number of issues including 5 day week in banking  Sector, in which we participated.

Ø  When there was so much of aspiration amongst the membership for 5 day week, the announcement by the Chairman of having seven day banking in State Bank of India came as a rude shock.

Ø  There was a spontaneous expression of the apprehension by the membership and to bring to the attention of the top Management a peaceful lunch time demonstration was conducted all over the country  in administrative offices on 28^th August 2012.