Text of letter no.
AIBOC/2018/108 dated 30.12.2018

Shri Arun Jaitleyji
Hon’ble Union Finance Minister
Government of India
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

YOUR STATEMENT REGARDING ACTION TAKEN AGAINST BANK OFFICERS IN CONNECTION WITH
NPAS

This has reference to your recent statement on the action taken against bank officers being held responsible
for staff delinquency in NPA accounts.
You have been quoted in the media as stating:
As per the inputs received from nationalised banks, in FY 2017-18, 6,049 officers have been held
responsible on account of staff delinquency in NPA accounts…minor penalty/major penalty have
been imposed against erring officials and in all the cases, depending upon the amount involved,
CBI and police complaints have been lodged.
(Source: http://www.ptinews.com/news/10273687_Over-6-000-officers-of-PSBs-held-
responsible-for-bad-loans-in-FY18--Jaitley.html)

02. The All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), the largest trade union of officers in the banking sector
commanding a membership of over 3.20 lakh officers is shocked and appalled by your biased and misleading
statement,

AIBOC
Circular
No. 2018/93 Date: 19.12.2018

To All Affiliates (Please Circulate)

STRIKE ON 21ST DECEMBER, 2018 STANDS

The Conciliation Meeting in response to the strike notice of AIBOC on 21st December, 2018 was held
today at the office of the Additional CLC(C), Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi at 11.00 A.M.
AIBOC was represented by Com Sunil Kumar, Chairman, Com Debasis Ghosh, President, Com Soumya
Datta, General Secretary and Com Ravinder Gupta, Sr. Vice President. After brief introduction, CLC
asked us to present our case. All issues as per the strike notice served were represented by the
representatives threadbare, which was appreciated by representatives of CLC, IBA and DFS. The copy
of the minutes of the Reconciliatory proceedings is appended.

In today's reconciliation talks, AIBOC presented our case clearly and unambiguously, which was appreciated by CLC, IBA and DFS representatives.

On the issue of fractured mandate.  CLC requested both IBA and DFS to initiate efforts to resolve the issue with all earnestness and to convene bilateral talks forthwith.

A delegation of AIBOC will be visiting the office of DFS today for further talks.

Since the reconciliation was inconclusive without any firm assurance, as of now our stand remains firm and resolute.
We urge upon our affiliates to be in full preparedness.
Detailed circular follows.

With revolutionary greetings,

Sunil Kumar, Chairman, AIBOC
Debasis Ghosh, President, AIBOC,
Soumya Datta, General Secretary, AIBOC

UFBU Meeting 12.12.2018:

In today's UFBU meeting the discussion revolved around two issues:

A) The issue of extending fraternal support by UFBU constituents to AIBOC on 21st December'18.

B) The view of all constituents on the decision of AIBOC of not taking part in further talks, and also to seek opinion of each affiliate whether they would be taking part in talks should IBA convene any meeting.

On the first issue, there was no unanimity amongst constituents, hence, UFBU Convenor left the decision to individual affiliates.

We are happy to share that some affiliates openly expressed their support and also agreed to join the Dharna at Delhi scheduled on 14th December'18.

 AIBOC also categorically stated that in future we will also take a call on extending fraternal support, should any affiliate call for a strike or announce any agitational program.

On the second issue, all other affiliates expressed that they would be joining future talks.

UFBU Convenor, requested AIBOC to reconsider the decision of not taking part in further talks.

During the deliberation, AIBOC clarified it's position that we are firm and resolute in our stand of going ahead with the strike and not taking part in further talks unless the mandate issue was settled.

We also expressed that after assessing the impact of our strike, we will take stock, discuss with all our affiliates and chalk out our future course of action.

General Secretary.
AIBOC

UNITED FORUM OF BANK UNIONS
(AIBEA-AIBOC-NCBE-AIBOA-BEFI-INBEF-INBOC-NOBW-NOBO)

CIRCULAR No. UFBU/2018/20
 Date : 30.11.2018
TO ALL CONSTITUENT UNIONS/MEMBERS

Dear Comrades,
● Talks with IBA on wage revision – Offer increased to 8%
● UFBU meeting – Call given for All India Strike on 26th Dec. 2018 against amalgamation of Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank.

After the last round of discussions held on 12-10-2018, there was another round
of Bipartite Talks between IBA and UFBU today in Mumbai. IBA team was led by
Shri Rajkiran Rai G., (MD & CEO of Union Bank of India) Chairman of the Negotiating Committee of IBA. UFBU was represented by leaders of all the nine constituent unions.

IBA’s increased offer: Picking up the thread from the discussions of the last round of discussions wherein we had urged upon the IBA to improve their offer of 6% hike in the cost of payslip components, IBA today revised their offer and increased their offer to 8% instead of 6% offered earlier. IBA also reiterated their formula of further wage increase based on their proposal linked to annual increase in Operating Profit and on Return on Assets of the Banks. While welcoming their improved offer, we stated that differential wage increase based profits of each Bank is not acceptable to us and that the wage revision in the Banks should be uniform as has been hitherto. We also further stated that their revised offer is far below our expectations. Hence, we urged upon the IBA to further revise their offer substantially to an acceptable level. We further stated that the issue of full mandate i.e.wage revision for Officers to cover all Officers upto Scale-VII should also be resolved. IBA expressed their limitations in this regard but we insisted them to find an amicable solution to this important issue.

In today's talks IBA offered
8% increase in wages with
other conditions of performance link, profitability and return on assets. 

Ufbu rejected the offer.

Against proposed merger of 3 banks , Ufbu decided for  All India Bank Strike call on 26th December, 2018.

CJ Nandakumar
President/BEFI

D.A. Increase news....Pensioners will get the benefit from Feb 2019.

Medical Insurance Policy for Retired Staff expiring on 31.10.2018.
New policy starts from November 1st.
Banks started issuing circulars asking for options and remittance of premium.
Retired staff are requested to get in touch with the pension drawing branch and remit the premium in time.

Rate of premium are as below:

*In today's discussion with IBA*
UFBU reiterated

1. Their offer of 6% should be substantially improved.
2. Performance Linked Pay should be delinked from wage revision.
3. Resolution of mandate issue.

IBA repeated their proposal that wage increase should linked to paying capacity.
We have rejected and informed that if
IBA does not change their stand
it will lead to Confrontation and Agitation.
Circular follows.

SK Bandlish ,
Convenor/ UFBU

Next meeting of Wage revision to take place on 12th October 2018.

Hence , UFBU meeting scheduled on 14th October is advanced to 9.30 am on 12th October at Mumbai.

CPI index for Industrial workers for July 2018 is 301.
i.e 10 points above June 2018.
It will translate into an increase of 67 slabs (6.7%) in D.A. for Bank employees.

However, This figure will vary according to CPI numbers for August and September.
However a steep hike in D.A. is on cards.

Is this a good news or bad news?

(Previous high is 49 slabs in Jan 2015 and 48 slabs in 2014)

Dear Comrades,

Bipartite Talks on Charter of Demands on wage revision Discussions with IBA on 18-8-2018.

Joint Circular issued by AIBEA-NCBE-BEFI-INBEF-NOBW:


“As informed earlier, another round of Bipartite Talks (8th round of Small Committee discussions) was held by Indian Banks’ Association with our 5 Workman Unions yesterday at Mumbai. 

IBA team consisted of:
Shri Rajkiran Rai G (MD/CEO, Union Bank of India)–Chairman of the Committee
Shri B. Rajkumar, Dy. Chief Executive, IBA,
Shri M.K. Gupta, GM-HR, Bank of India,
Shri Punit Jain, GM-HR, PNB,
Shri T.S. Seshadri, GM-HR, Indian Bank,
Shri S.K. Suri, GM-HR, Allahabad Bank
Shri Sanjay Prakash, DGM-HR, SBI.
Shri S.K Kakkar,  Sr. Advisor-HR&IR, IBA
Shri K S Chauhan, Sr.Vice President, HR&IR, IBA

Our team consisted of representatives from our 5 Workman Unions as under:
Com C H Venkatachalam, AIBEA
Com Rajen Nagar, AIBEA
Com S K Bandlish, NCBE
Com Balaji, NCBE
Com Pradip Biswas, BEFI
Com Subhash Sawant, INBEF
Com Upendrakumar, NOBW.

The meeting took stock of the discussions held so far in the last 7 rounds of talks held between our Unions and the IBA’s Small Committee team and arrived at the following tentative understandings.

• Settlement will be effective from 1-11-2017.
• Settlement will cover 37 Banks ( 20 PSBs, 10 Private Banks and 7 Foreign Banks). Mandate to be received from IDBI Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland.

• When an employee is transferred from one station to another, instead of normal HRA, he/she will be paid HRA on Rent Receipt basis. Suitable ceilings will be prescribed.
• Branches located in Special Economic Zone/EPZ, etc. to be paid HRA at par with Project Areas.
• Notice period for availing Privilege Leave (other than for LFC) will stand reduced to 10 days.
• Privilege leave taken on sick grounds when there is no sick leave will not be counted as an occasion of availing PL.
• Beyond 30 years of service, additional sick leave will be granted at 1 month per year subject to a max. of 720 days in entire service. ( it is 630 days now) i.e. 3 months additional sick leave.
• Women employees can avail sick leave for the sickness of their children (upto 8 years of age) on production of medical certificate.
• Extra ordinary Leave on loss of pay can be availed for 120 days at a time    ( it is 90 days now).
• Maternity Leave can be availed in combination/continuation with other kind of leave.
• Medical Bills for Maternity can be given after joining the Bank after availing ML irrespective of period.
• 2 months leave with salary will be granted for Hysterectomy where ML limit is exhausted.
• Paternity Leave can be sanctioned even in case of child adoption.
• Absence from office due to curfew, riots, prohibitory orders, natural calamities, flood, etc. will be treated as special leave on duty.
• LFC: permissible Distance will be revised as 2200 km/4400 km for non-substaff and 2600 km/5200 km for substaff (only for actual travel and not for encashment).
• Road Mileage charges will be revised from Rs. 6 per km to Rs. 8 per km.
• Train fare by Shatabdi and Rajdhani express trains (non-Executive Class) will be reimbursed under LFC if travel is undertaken by these trains.                                     ( For encashment, existing rules will continue).
• Charges for local sightseeing while on LFC will be reimbursed within the entitlement on production of bills from approval operators.
• GST charges on train fare will be reimbursed.
• For employees working in North East States, LFC will begin from Guwahati and the fare from their place of work to Guwahati will be additionally paid. Similarly, Andaman Nicobar islands to Chennai/Kolkata, Lakshadweep to Kochi, far-flung area branches in Himalayas and J & K to nearest major railway station will be additionally reimbursed under LFC in addition to normal entitlement.
• For actual travel under LFC, train fare under dynamic fare system as on the date of booking of tickets will be reimbursed.
• One more option will be given to choose between 2 years block or 4 years block.
• Income criteria for definition of dependents will be revised from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000
• Employees removed from service under Voluntary Cessation Scheme will be eligible for retirement benefits including pension, if otherwise eligible.
• Employees removed from service under Voluntary Cessation Scheme will be given the chance to represent against the decision.
• Facility of Crèche for children of women bank employees will be examined in the light of Government guidelines.
• For employees transferred out of station under Deployment policy, the compensation amount will be revised from Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 per month.
• When employees shift their personal effects while on transfer to another station, Breakage charges will be paid at Rs. 1650 for clerks and Rs. 1100 for substaff ( on production of receipt) or Rs. 1100 for clerks and Rs. 825 for substaff (on Declaration basis).
• For definition of Family, physically/mentally challenged children of employees will continue to be treated as dependents even after their marriage subject to income criteria.
• Revision/increase in Conveyance Allowance to Physically Challenged employees will be suitably recommended to the Government.
• Our demand for exemption of entire retirement benefits from the purview of Income Tax will be recommended to Government for their consideration.
• Service Charges under New Pension Scheme will not be recovered from the employees and will be paid by the Banks.
• When employees are sent to outstation for official duties, the rate of Diem Allowance/Halting Allowance will be increased after further discussions.
• Guidelines will be worked out for reimbursement of Hotel Rent in such occasions subject to certain agreed ceilings.
• Increase in Ex-Gratia amount payable to pre-1986 retirees/surviving spouse will be recommended to Government.
• Other Allowances like Cycle Allowance, Washing Allowance, Split Duty Allowance, etc. will be increased  by 15%.

Issues to be discussed further/to be finalised :
• Total quantum of increase in wages
• Index point for merger of DA to work out the new Pay Scales.
• Merger of Special Allowance with Basic Pay
• Revised DA formula
• Revision in Special Pay, FPP, PQP
• Improvement in Stagnation increment
• Increase in HRA,  Transport Allowance
• Leave Bank system, Child Care Leave, Sabbatical Leave, Increase in Privilege leave /Encashment of PL
• Increase in  Annual medical Aid and improvement in Medical Insurance Scheme
• Improvement in formula for calculation of Gratuity
• Separate entitlement of LFC for husband and wife working in the same Bank
• 5 Day Banking
• PF contribution @12%
• North East Allowance
• Improvement in formula for Family Pension
• Periodical updated of Pension
• DA linked Pension in lieu of NPS for new recruits
• Bringing all categories of pensioners to common Index level of 11th BPS.
• Disciplinary Action procedures, punishments, etc.

Next round of meeting of the Full Negotiating  Committee will be held by the first week of September, 2018.  Further developments will be informed to members in due course.”                                                                               

UNITED FORUM OF BANK UNIONS 
 (AIBEA-AIBOC-NCBE-AIBOA-BEFI  -INBEF-INBOC-NOBW-NOBO)
 
K K NAIR                    SANJEEV K. BANDLISH
Chairman                        Convenor

CIRCULAR No. UFBU/2018/14                 Date : 08-08-2018

TO ALL CONSTITUENT UNIONS/MEMBERS

Dear Comrades,
DISCUSSIONS WITH  IBA ON MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME
As already informed to units, bipartite meeting was held today between IBA and UFBU regarding renewal of our Medical Insurance Policy for serving employees/ officers as well as for the retirees for the ensuing period 2018-19. IBA team was represented by Shri Rajkumar, Dy. Chief Executive, Shri S K Kakkar, Sr. Advisor (HR&IR), and Shri K S Chauhan, Sr. Vice President (HR).  All our constituent unions were present in the meeting.

IBA informed us that United India Insurance Co. has given their proposal for hike in the premium on the Policies both for the serving employees/officers as well as for the retirees as under:

Serving employees/officers :     Increase in premium by  29% over existing rate

Retirees(without Domiciliary) :  Increase in premium by 110% over existing rate

Retirees (with Domiciliary) :      Increase in premium by 144% over existing rate

We strongly objected to such steep hike in the rate of premium and informed the IBA that especially the hike in premium for the retirees is too exorbitant and not appearing to be relatable to actual claim ratio.  We urged upon the IBA to take up with UIIC to drastically reduce the premium.

IBA informed us that they are

*11th BIPARTITE  TALKS*
Today, on Monday the 30th July, 2018 talks regarding 11th Bipartite Settlement were held between IBA and UFBU at IBA office, Mumbai at 11.30 am.

After the full Negotiating Committee Meeting on 5th May, 2018, when IBA made an offer for 2% hike on Pay Slip,
Negotiating Committee met for first time after almost three months' gap.

IBA Chairman made an offer for 6% hike on salary slip.
The offer was declined by UFBU as it did not satisfy our expectations.

*Other Points Discussed*
1. We wanted salary negotiations to be held upto G.M. level as was practice during earlier settlements. But IBA firmly declined this demand. Negotiations to be held only upto Scale III.

2. Last sub-committee meeting on Medical Insurance Scheme was held on 16.05.2018. Today on behalf of Insurance Co.,
IBA proposed hike in annual premiums as under :--

*In Service Employees : 30% hike in premium is proposed.*
*For Retired Employees :  with Domiciliary Treatment Policy hike of 144% is proposed  The hike for without Domiciliary Treatment is proposed at 110%.*

3.  During 10th Bipartite 2nd & 4th Saturdays were declared as Holidays. UFBU demanded that all Saturdays and Sundays should be Holidays. IBA promised to come back after discussing the issue with stake holders.

4. About demand of increase in Family Pension, IBA asked us to give our logic and calculations in writing.

5. For having necessary infrastructure to deal with Medical Insurance Co.’s, next meeting between IBA and UFBU is scheduled on 8th August 2018.

6.  After proposed hike in Medical Insurance Premiums, Banks are requested to deliver letters accepting continuation with present scheme. *They have an option to go back on old Medical Bill Reimbursement Scheme of their own.*
 For this purpose meeting between BANKS and IBA is fixed on 4th August 2018.

7. Legal Cases of Frauds in which Bank officials and lower level personnel is subjected to Police/CBI enquiries and actions, are to be decided by respective Bank Managements and their Boards. IBA asked Unions to take up this issue with respective Bank Boards.

8. *Next round of talks on 11th Bipartite may tentatively be held on 27th/28th August 2018.* Before that Medical Insurance Sub-Committee will meet on 8th August 2018.

9. On 18th August 2018 separate sub-committees for Workmen and Officers will meet separately.
Let us hope for better on 27/28th August 2018, during next round.

*****************

*Wage Revision  talks Today 30.07.2018*

*IBA offer has been increased to 6% from 2% earlier.*

*UFBU not agreed to this.*

*Date for further meeting fixed.*

*Circular follows.*

Refer in the year 2010 at the time of 9th B.P.S., those who (both serving and retired) opt for Pension paid some amount to their respective Banks.
Regarding tax treatment of above amount, unions filed case.
As stay granted , amount of tax deducted towards this contribution by banks are kept in Sundry Deposit, and not remited to Tax dept.,
In the mean time several employees received notices from I.T. dept demanding payment of tax for the above contribution.

What is the position of these cases?

Here is explanation received from AIBOC.

Please note that the case filed AIIBOA (AIBOC) in Kerala High Court is lost and the AIIBOA (AIBOC) has informed the Management that they are not going on appeal and the Management can remit the money to the IT department.

However in Madras High Court another case filed by AIBOA, the court has directed all banks not to remit the money to IT Department.
This stay is in force.

The problem with the IT department is that they do not care for any court order. Till AIBOA case reaches finality this problem will continue.

ALL INDIA BANK PENSIONERS’ & RETIREES’ CONFEDERATION
( A.I.B.P.A.R.C.)

Circular No. 58/18 20.07.2018

Dear Comrade,

*Pending issues of Bank Pensioners & Retirees*

We reproduce hereunder circular no. 13/2018 dt. 16.07.18 addressed to all affiliates of CBPRO for favour of information of our members.

With best wishes,

( SUPRITA SARKAR )
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. 013/2018 Dated: 16.07.2018
To:
All General Secretaries,
Constituents of CBPRO

Dear Comrades,

We have been following up the pending issues of Bank Pensioners and Retirees among others with the Department of Financial Services,
Government of India on a regular basis. Accordingly, we had a meeting with the senior officials of Department of Financial Services on
11.07.2018 and discussed the following issues:

*Negotiation Rights with IBA.*

*Updation of Pension*

*Uniform 30% Family Pension without ceiling*

*Uniform 100% DA Neutralization*

*Medical Insurance*

*Pension to left out Compulsorily Retired Officers*

*Pension for Resignees*

*Reckoning of Special Allowance Component for Pension and Gratuity*

We furnish below the brief details of our representation to the Department of Financial Services during the said meeting:

QUOTE:

*Negotiation Rights with IBA:*
We request you to provide us a formal structured machinery to negotiate the issues of Bank Pensioners and
Retirees with Indian Bank Association (IBA).

*Updation of Pension:*

 Pension Regulation 35(1) dealt with Updation of Basic & Additional Pension in respect of employees who retired
between the 1st Day of January 1986 but before the 31st Day of October 1987, as per formula given in appendix 1. The provision of updation of
basic and additional Pension - Regulation 35(1) was therefore implemented at the time of introduction of Pension scheme in the Banks.
 The Govt. of India amended Regulation 35(1) vide notification in Government
 Gazette (No.9) dated 1st March 2003 as under:
“Basic pension and additional pension, wherever applicable, shall be updated as per the formulae given in appendix-1”.
A perusal of original Regulation 35(1) vis a vis amended Regulation 35(1) would show that the restricted application of Updation of Pension in
respect of those who retired between 01.01.1986 and 31.10.1987 has been extended to cover all retirees wherever applicable. IBA and Banks
have been denying the benefit of updation to the eligible pensioners who retired after 01.11.1987 for unjustifiable reasons. This has resulted in
creating a huge difference as some retired General Managers are drawing lesser pension than that of a senior clerical staff retired recently.
Sir, you will appreciate that our Pension Regulations being the subordinate legislation assume greater significance and amended Regulation
35(1) provides an accrued right to the pensioners who have retired after 01.11.1987. We therefore request your Goodself to consider our request
for revision/updation of pension favourably.

*Uniform 30% Family Pension without ceiling:*

Family Pension in Banks is payable at 30%, 20% and 15% of last drawn pay of the deceased
Employee/Pensioner with lower percentage being assigned to higher pay. It in effect meant that Family Pensioners of those who retired as
officers would get the lowest 15% of last drawn pay that too with a specified ceiling on the amount of Basic Pension which effectively translated
into a mere 7% to 10% of last drawn pay. This distortion was corrected by the Govt. and RBI by fixing Family Pension uniformly at 30% of Pay.
Regulation 56 of the Banks Pension Regulations provides for the similar treatment to Bank Family Pensioners. We also understand that IBA is
engaged on this issue which was minuted in the form of a record note at the time of signing of 10th Bipartite Settlement. We request you to help
us in getting this very passionate demand resolved at the earliest.

*Uniform 100% DA Neutralization:*

After the introduction of 100% DA neutralization in lieu of tapering DA by the Central Govt. during the
revision under 5th Pay Commission (1996), Banks too introduced uniform 100% DA neutralization from 2005 but made it applicable only to
those who retired on or after 01.11.2002 despite there being no mention in the bipartite settlement about such artificial classification based on
the date of retirement.

*Medical Insurance:*
After prolonged representations, the Government vide F.NO. 14/7/92-IR(Vol-II) Dated 24th February 2012 advised IBA to
formulate a uniform Medical Insurance Scheme for both serving and retired employees. The IBA in the last (10th) Bipartite Settlement
introduced Medical Insurance Schemes for both serving and retired employees but created discrimination with regard to payment of insurance
premium by bearing it in case of serving employees and forcing the retired employees to pay the premium. This discriminatory treatment has
robbed the retired employees of Banking Industry by as large a sum as Rs. 40,804/- for the renewal of their medical insurance w.e.f. 01.11.2017.
It is in contrast to free Medical Facilities extended to senior level bankers viz., CMD/MD/CEO/EDs after retirement and hence we request for
extension of similar medical facilities to rest of the retired Bank Employees.
Sir, you will appreciate that the need for medical care is no lesser important in case of Bank Pensioners and Retirees than the full time Board
level employees of the Bank. Extending similar benefit to Bank Pensioners and Retirees would uphold the fair principles of equity. We request
you to consider the same at the time of ensuing renewal of IBA arranged/negotiated medical insurance policy for Bank Pensioners and Retirees
which is due on 01.11.2018.

*Pension to left out Compulsorily Retired Officers:*

The Hon’ble Supreme Court in case of compulsorily retired officers of Andhra Bank has
allowed second pension option. Since the Hon’ble Supreme Court has its jurisdiction all over the country, the compulsorily retired officers in
other banks too be extended similar benefit as a good gesture. We request that the Government as Good Employer should accept the same for all
the Banks as it has been upheld by the highest court in case of similarly placed officers. Some of the Banks are yet to implement the pension to
left out compulsorily retired officers, despite IBA having issued the communication to all the member banks as early as March 2018.

*Pension for Resignees:*

 IBA advised the banks to extend second option to the petitioners only in case of Vijaya Bank instead of giving benefits
to similarly placed resignees who have put in more than 20 years of service. Such an extension of second option to similarly placed Officers in
Vijaya Bank and also in other Banks as advised by IBA in case of left out compulsorily retired officers.

*Reckoning of Special Allowance Component for Pension and Gratuity:*

A Special Allowance was introduced as a part of Pay in the Xth Bi-
Partite settlement. This allowance was attracting Dearness Allowance but was excluded for the purpose of computing Pension and calculating
Gratuity. It is important to note that in the case of LIC of India, the similar Special Allowance is treated at par with the grade pay of government
employees and the same is also reckoned for terminal benefits including Pension & Gratuity. The payment of Gratuity Act defines Wages as
emoluments with Dearness Allowance excluding HRA, Overtime and any other Allowance. It is pertinent to submit that the Special Allowance
component payable to Bank employees and Officers attracts DA at same rate as on Basic Pay. Hence Special Allowance and DA thereon form
an integral component of Wages. It is therefore required to be taken into consideration while calculating Gratuity/Pension at the time of
retirement. Exclusion of Special Allowance and DA thereon is violative of the provisions of the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, its exclusion in
Xth Bi-Partite notwithstanding. We request you to make necessary arrangements with IBA to rectify the anomaly at the earliest.
 UNQUOTE
We are alive to the anxiety and concern of the Bank Pensioners and Retirees and hence are committed to continue our endeavours for bringing
about improvements in the conditions of Bank Retirees.

With Regards

Yours Comradely

 A.Ramesh Babu K.V. Acharya
 Joint Conveners

Circular Letter No. AIBOC/2018/39 Date: 17.07.2018

To All Affiliates/Secretary of State Units

Dear Comrade,

WAGE REVISION

We reproduce hereunder the Note signed by the Joint Forum of 4 Officers
Organisations and the letter given to the Additional Secretary, Dept of Financial
Services on the subject captioned above for your information.
With regards,
Yours Comradely,
Soumya Datta
General Secretary

Text of the letter given to DFS

ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ CONFEDERATION (AIBOC)
ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (AIBOA)
INDIAN NATIONAL BANK OFFICERS’ CONGRESS (INBOC)
NATIONAL ORGANISATION OF BANK OFFICERS (NOBO)
Ref: Officers/5 CAMP: Delhi
 16.07.2018

The Additional Secretary
Dept. Of Financial Services
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Wage Revision

We are glad to know that you have completed the process of appointment of
experienced executives from PSBs to head the Banks. We hope that all Banks
would have suitable and able Heads in this hour of crisis. We are also glad that the
Ministry has voiced against the tendency to paint the Bankers in dark and against
unnecessary arrests and harassment. We request you to issue a media statement
on this, as this would definitely lift the sagging morale of the bankers, encourage
them to fight the fear-psychosis and to re-infuse the confidence in them to take
decisions. Bankers would be extremely thankful to you for this.
You have addressed many letters to the Chief Executives of the Banks, under copy
to Indian Banks Association, reminding them to complete the process of salary
revision before 01.11.17. Banking work force were, in fact, delighted to see the pro-
active instructions from your Office and were expecting an early salary revision.
But, unfortunately the process has not taken off meaningfully. Salary revision has
reached an impasse. We request your urgent intervention in the matter.
We highlight few specific issues hereunder, with the earnest hope that suitable
instructions will be issued to all concerned to take them forward for meaningful
discussion and conclusions.
1. Unconditional Mandate
While nearly all the member of Banks of IBA have given unconditional mandate to
IBA to negotiate, 6 Banks viz. SBI, PNB, BOB, Indian Bank, Union Bank of
India and Oriental Bank of Commerce have given conditional mandate to
restrict negotiations up to Scale III/IV. This is illogical, divisive and a deviation
from the followed practice. All along the negotiations have taken place for Officers
up to Scale VII, based on the Scales introduced by the Pillai Committee, which are
common up to scale VII and are part of the Officers’ Service Rules. This has been a
stumbling block and delaying the negotiations.
.
2. Five Day Banking
Banks around the world works only for 5 days. There is a thinking in few countries
to restrict working days to 4 in a week. The mature alternate channel of banking
has been good enough to meet and address the banking needs of the customers.
Most of the Govt Offices/establishments, IT Sector and major Private Sector
companies work only for 5 days in a week. Introduction of Five Days Banking will
help the Officers & Staff to have Work - Life Balance and increase productivity.
3. Decent Wage Hike
Today, the Officers in the banking industry are functioning in challenging and
stressful environment, are subject to high level of accountability and the
discomfort of frequent transfers and dislocations. The competitive environment
demands best talent. In fitness of things, we demand that salary of bank officers
be fair and comparable to the best ones in Government, PSUs & Private Sector, so
that the crucial and sensitive banking sector will be able to attract and retain best
talents.
4. Regulated Working Hours
Banks are implementing Govt Schemes and programmes like opening of Jandhan
A/cs, Mudra Loans, Pension Schemes, Aadhar-Linking and many such activities,
in addition to the normal banking activities. There has been humungous increase
in the work-load on the Officers. This has constrained the officers’ fraternity to
work beyond the stipulated office hours. Working beyond office hours has been
taking a toll on the performance and the health of the Officers, their social
relationship within the family and has resulted in a burn-out situation. These have a definite negative effect on the health and on the quality of their life. Hence, we
demand a Regulated Working Hours regime
 We also demand that adequate number of Officers and staff be recruited urgently.
As it is well known, in the next 5 years, a huge number of officers and staff will be
superannuating. Unless recruitment takes place immediately, knowledge transfer
may not take place and a talent-vacuum may set-in in the Industry, harming the
very organizations and the economy.
5. Superannuation benefits:
Few issues pertaining to superannuation benefits were not settled in the last wage
revision but were part of a Record Note signed by IBA and the Constituents of
UFBU. It may please be appreciated that the issues pertaining to the previous
wage revision are still to be settled though we have commenced negotiation for the
next salary revision.
Few important issues pending are:-
1. Revision in Family Pension
2. Updation of Pension
3. 100% Neutralisation of DA
4. 50% of last drawn pay as Pension for all
5. Uniform Commutation Formula
6. Other Issues of Wage Revision:
There are issues like Special Area Allowances, Conversion of New Pension Scheme
into an Assured Pension Scheme, Compassionate Appointments, Leave Fare
Concession etc.
We appeal to you to please intervene immediately so that the settlement can be
arrived at quickly and the Bankers can focus more on restoration of the glory of
banking sector with renewed enthusiasm and zeal.
Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,
 Sd/- Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-
Soumya Datta S. Nagarajan K.K. Nair S.U. Deshpande
General Secretary General Secretary General Secretary President
 AIBOC AIBOA INBOC NOBO

Union Minister of State for Home, Hansraj Ahir has issued a letter to Ashutosh Salil, DM of Chandrapur district in Maharashtra asking him to stop annual salary increment of those branch managers who have not completed their target to sanction the MUDRA loans.

ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS’ CONFEDERATION

Circular No. 2018/22 Date: 13.05.2018

To All Affiliates/State Units/ Members

Dear Comrades,

An appeal to our Young and Senior Comrades – Strike on 30th & 31st
May 2018.

You were the back bone of the organization and built up the strong edifice
and you continue to be the pillar.
The Govt and Management will try their age old game of divide and rule. I am sure you will understand and act.

Q. Why we demand Wage Revision upto Scale VII ?

Decisions of Officer's Unions.

Two Days Strike by Bank employees on 30 & 31st May.

Why IBA is so curious about change of term of Medical Insurance Scheme?

Any problem with the brokers?

Or IBA want to deal with any chosen Private Insurance Company of their choice?

 They are showing a  casual approach in wage revision talks, but showing urgency in this matter.
Is their any conspiracy?

UFBU circular on Wage revision talks:

Dear Comrades,

• WAGE REVISION TALKS WITH IBA & NEGATIVE ATTITUDE OF IBA-GOVERNMENT
• UFBU REJECTS IBA’s INITIAL OFFER OF 2% HIKE IN WAGE BILL
• DECIDES TO RESORT TO AGITION AND STRIKE ACTIONS
• HOLD MASSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ON 8th/9th MAY
• GET READY FOR 48 HOURS CONTINUOUS STRIKE BY END OF MAY, 2018

“The much delayed negotiations with IBA on our Charter of Demands for wage revision
re-commenced on 5th May, 2018 after a gap of nearly six months.
IBA team was led by
Shri R.K. Takkar, MD, UCO Bank & Chairman of Negotiating Committee, Shri V.G. Kannan, Chief Executive, IBA, Shri P.S. Jayakumar, MD, Bank of Baroda, Shri Rajkiran
Rai, MD, Union Bank of India, Shri Shyam Srinivasan, MD, Federal Bank and Shri S.K.
Kakkar, Senior Advisor-HRA, IBA. UFBU was represented by leaders of our nine constituent unions.

Medical Insurance Scheme:

Negotiations with IBA just concluded.
IBA offered 2 per cent rise in salary.
Constituents of the UFBU walked out of the negotiations &
Boycotted the lunch hosted by IBA.

Hold massive demonstrations on 9th May throughout the country.
Get ready for 2 days strike by month end.

Next round of Bipartite talks will be held on 5th May at Mumbai.
*****************

D.A. Increase for
May,June,July 2018
is  2 Slabs i.e 0.2%
( Total DA: 529 Slabs, 52.90% ).
No change for Pensioners.

Hon'ble Supreme Court dismissed the SLP of GOI. 

Court directed to GOI to implement the Commercial Bank Pension Scheme in all RRBs in three months -

 AIRRBEA / NFRRBO/ NFRRBE/ NFRRRBS

 A great victory similar to Obul Reddi NIT Award. Kudos to AIRRBEA.
 Its hard work and consistent battle yielded positive result.
Com. Mukerjee's dream has come true.

ALL INDIA BANK EMPLOYEES'
 ASSOCIATION

CIRCULAR LETTER No.28/70/2018/18 11-4-2018
TO ALL OFFICE BEARERS/STAT EFEDERATIONS/
ALL INDIA BANKWISE ORGANISATIONS

DearComrades,

Group Medical insurance Scheme

Units are aware that we have been demanding proper and hassle-free
implementation of the Group Medical Insurance Scheme.

 We have also been
demanding further improvement in the Scheme under the11th Bipartite Settlement.
In the meantime IBA has been asking for constitution of a Joint Committee to
discuss these issues as well as to decide the appointment of multiple brokers,rate
ofpremium,etc.

From UFBU we have expressed our reservation to involve the
unions in appointment of Brokers,etc.and have been asking for a meeting to
discuss these issues.

But IBA had sent a letter to UFBU stating that if the Unions do not come forward to
submit the names for constitution of the Committee, they may take a decision to
drop the scheme itself. In view of the unacceptable stand of the IBA, a
communication has been addressed to the IndianBanksAssociation as under:
“Wearein receipt of your letter dated 07.04.2018 on the above subject in relation to
constitution of the committee.
At the outset we wish to state that the contentions of the IBA as stated in the letter
are provocative and unwarranted.
We have already explained our viewpoints and
the matter needs proper understanding and clarity before we proceed with the
submission of names for constitution of the committee.
You will recall that the scheme of Medical Insurance was the proposal of the
management inresponse to our demand for improvement in the Hospitalisation
expenses reimbursement scheme that was available upto9th Bipartite Settlement.

While the objective behind the scheme of medical insurance was to ensure hassle
free reimbursement, no doubt there areproblems faced by the employees/retirees
which need to be addressed for modification, rectification and necessary
improvements.
We have already suggested a jointmeeting to discuss these issues
and we are ready to extend all our co-operation to ensure better administration of
the scheme.
But we feel it desirable and advisable that unions are not to enter into aspects like
appointment of Brokers.TPAs,etc.which are purely administrative.We regret that
instead of convening the meeting to discuss these issues and sortout the same,
such provocative communications are sent.
Please note that the scheme is arising outof the settlement/joint note and any
attempt to move unilaterally including dropping the scheme will be responded
appropriately by UFBU.
We hope IBA would not precipitate the issue and arrange for a meeting immediately
where all connected issues can be discussed.”
Further developments will be informed to units in duecourse.

WithGreetings,
Yours Comradely,
C.H.VENKATACHALAM
GENERALSECRETARY

Gazette notification for increasing ceiling amount for Gratuity issued.

It seems that ceiling of Rs. 20 lakhs is applicable for  those employees who retire on or after 29.03.2018.
It is my understanding.
Others may clarify.

In the last occasion
( Ceiling raised from Rs.3.5 lacs to 10 lacs) also the date of effect was 26.04.2010
(date of passing the bill in parliament/ Gazette date) and not from 01.01.2006.
i.e pay commission date.

Youth discuss issues faced by banking sector, staff

— By Agencies | Mar 25, 2018 12:11 am

This three-day convention which was organised by AIBEA, set the tone by calling not just the banking employees but the working class across all public sector,

Mumbai : Around 1,000 representatives of various banks gathered in Mumbai for the second youth convention for banking employees. This was held with an aim to address various issues faced by the banking sector and also problems faced by the employees of the bank.

The three-day convention which was organised by All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), set the tone by calling not just banking employees but the working class across all public sector, to evaluate the importance of public sector in the country.


AIBEA, general secretary, CH Venkatachalam said that he met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and asked him to look at various issues faced by the banking sector and its employees.

“After we spoke to the minister, the Indian Bank’s Association had informed us that a meeting will be help to discuss issues like remuneration, perks and etc.” Venkatachalam also ensured women employees that they are also looking at ways to extend their maternity leave.

With increasing technology, he added, there is a need to find a right mix in utilising technology for improving efficiency. “It looks like we are become slaves to technology and that is not the way to go.” He reiterated there is need for technology but not at the cost of jobs.

This convention also saw WFTU’s working youth committee, international coordinator Emil Oslen address the youth.

UFBU 's Dharna at New Delhi today.....

AIBOC PRESS RELEASE:

UFBU Leaders Meet Finance Minister and Secretary, Banking.

United Forum of Bank Unions organised a Dharna at Parliament Street today, which was a dharna of leaders of UFBU representing 9 Trade Unions in Banking Sector across the country. 

The UFBU delegation consisting of     
Com. Sanjeev Bandlish, Com. C.H. Venkatachalam, Com. D.T. Franco, and 6 more Unions/ Associations,
accompanied by Members of Parliament Com. D. Raja and Com. Tapan Sen met the Finance Minister and discussed issued affecting the Banking Sector.

They represented to the Finance Minister to come out openly against privatisation and provide all support to Public Sector Banks by strengthening the system. 
They also demanded that action should be taken against those who are responsible for the frauds and Junior officers alone should not be made scapegoats. 
They also demanded immediate appointment of Officer and Employee Director .
None of the Public Sector Banks have these representatives in the Boards of the Bank which is mandatory as per law. 

In another representation they demanded providing welfare measures for Bank employees based on operating profit and not net profit.

The representatives also asked the Finance Minister to direct Indian Banks Association to complete the wage negotiations quickly and continue the practise of wage negotiation settlement upto scale VII. 

The representatives also mentioned to the Finance Minister that the Asset Classification Norms and the provisioning norms changed by the Reserve Bank of India wide their circular dated 12th February 2018 is going to create havoc in the Banking Industry. 
They mentioned that the change in norms of declaring loans which are not serviced for 30 days as substandard and also referring loans which are not serviced for 180 days to NCLT leads to huge provision which are not scientific and will create a dent on the banking system as a whole. 

The Finance Minister assured that there will not be any privatisation of public sector banks.
 He also stated that ownership of the Banks is not the problem but  supervision is the problem.  He agreed to take action on issues represented. 

The delegation also met Mr. Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Financial Services and discussed all the issues with him. 
He has assured quick action from the Government on all the matters represented. 

(D.T. Franco)
General Secretary
9445000806
ngcfranco@gmail.com

UFBU meeting held in Chennai today.
After taking stock of the recent developments in the industry,  decided to defer the strike call slated for 15th March, 2018.

UFBU will hold Dharna in Delhi in the middle of next month to highlight its views on recent  scam in banks and against  FRDI bill.

Pradip Biswas
BEFI