Dear
Comrades,
Wage
Revision Talks - IBA improves its offer from 11% ( Rs. 3465 crores ) to 12.5 %
(Rs. 3938 crores) on Payslip components
– 7th January strike deferred – Further negotiations to continue
Units and members are aware that in the
backdrop of the strike call given by UFBU, Chief labour Commissioner, Ministry
of Labour, Govt. of India held a conciliation meeting at Delhi on 5-1-2015 and
this followed by two days bipartite negotiations between IBA and UFBU at Mumbai
on 6-1-2015 and 7-1-2015. Since IBA
came forward to improve their offer from 11% to 12.5% towards increase in cost
of payslip components, the strike has been deferred. Further negotiations would continue. We
congratulate all our units and members for their preparations to implement the
strike programme which resulted in IBA reconsidering their stand and improving
their offer from the earlier Rs. 3465 crores to Rs. 3938 crores. We reproduce
herein the text of UFBU Circular No. 2015/43 for the information of our units
and members.
With greetings
Yours
comradely,
C.H.VENKATACHALAM
GENERAL SECRETARY
STRIKE ON 7TH JAN. 2015 DEFERRED
–NEGOTIATIONS WITH IBA CONTINUE
Further
to the Strike Notice issued by the UFBU on 22nd December 2014, the
Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Government of India held a Conciliation
Meeting at his office in New Delhi on 05-01-2015.
Conciliation
Meeting by CLC on 5th January 2015:
In the
conciliation meeting, we pointed out that the proposed strike actions of UFBU have
been warranted due to the callous approach of the IBA in responding to our
demands and being stagnant in their offer despite assurance from UFBU to have a
flexible approach. We also strongly
protested against the communication sent by IBA to Member Banks to re-visit the
mandate if necessary.
IBA
informed that they have sent the communication to the Banks in view of the
observations made by some of the Banks during the Managing Committee Meeting
and there was no intention to create any complications for the
negotiations.
IBA also
informed that they would hold bipartite negotiations on 6th instant
at IBA office in Mumbai and invited UFBU to participate in the same. IBA also informed that efforts would be made
to find out an amicable solution to take the negotiations forward. Hence it was decided to take part in the
bipartite negotiations at Mumbai on 6th January, 2015.
Bipartite
Meeting with IBA on 6th January 2015:
Another
round of bipartite discussions took place between IBA and UFBU on 6th
January 2015. IBA was led by Shri Rajeev
Rishi, Chairman of the Negotiation Committee and other members and UFBU was
represented by representatives of all its constituent units. Subsequent to prolonged discussions,
arguments and deliberations for more than 3 hours, the IBA agreed to improve
their earlier offer of 11% increase (Rs. 3465 crores) to 12.5 % increase ( Rs.
3938 crores ) in Payslip components.
With the view to pave the way for arriving at a mutually acceptable
level through further discussions, UFBU agreed to revise its demand to
19.5%. UFBU, however, clearly informed
the IBA that their revised offer of 12.5% is quite inadequate and has
substantially to be improved further.
IBA informed us that they are willing to negotiate and improve the offer
from 12.5% during further discussions.
Strike on 7th
January 2015 deferred:
In view of this positive development, UFBU
decided to defer the All India One Day Strike action on 7th January
2015. It was mutually agreed to continue
the negotiations further on 7th January, 2015.
Bipartite
Meeting with IBA on 7th January 2015:
In the
bipartite discussions continued with the IBA on 7th January 2015, we
insisted that IBA should further enhance their offer from 12.5% and also reach
conclusion of reasonable settlement within short time-frame. IBA informed us that they would also like to
continue the discussions at regular and frequent intervals to ensure completion
of the entire process by middle of February, 2015. IBA, however, informed that they need some
time for discussion amongst themselves on the revised offer of increase and
wanted UFBU also to revise its demand to reach a mutually acceptable
position.
Regarding
other important issues raised by UFBU, it was decided that Sub-Committees would
be formed to discuss the following issues:
- Revised scheme on 100% hospitalisation expenses reimbursement
scheme to employees/family members without any ceiling;
- Modifications in Officers Disciplinary and Conduct Regulations
suggested by the unions, regulated working hours for officers, 5 Day
banking, etc,
- Demands raised by the Workman Unions /Officers’ Organisations in
the Charter.
Pension related
demands:
We also
raised the issues relating to improvements in Pension related demands like 100%
DA for pre-Nov. 2002 pensioners, family pension formula, periodical updation of
pension, etc. We also suggested that DA
upto 4440 points for all pensioners should be merged with Basic pension and a
uniform DA formula to be applicable to all pensioners. We also demanded extension of DA linked
pension scheme for employees recruited after April 2010. It was agreed to discuss all these issues
further.
Bipartite
discussions to continue:
To our
suggestion that the meetings of the Sub-Committees should be held immediately
without loss of time, IBA agreed to the same.
To our demand for holding next round of negotiations at the earliest to
carry forward the negotiations, IBA agreed and it was decided to fix up the
dates looking at mutual convenience.
Comrades,
while the negotiations have been brought back on the track due to our sustained
and persistent struggles, no complacency should be entertained as further
rounds of discussions would be extremely crucial to clinch the best deal
possible and achieve a fair and reasonable wage revision for employees and
officers. Given our past experience, we
must also be guarded against any possible efforts by IBA that would delay the
Settlement.
While
UFBU would do its best to conclude a reasonable settlement as early as possible,
we appeal to the membership to be in readiness to plunge into actions even at
short notice, if the situation so warrants.
Nothing should be taken for granted at this stage.
Sd.
M V Murali,
Convener