Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has deferred its nationwide strike scheduled for September 28 to 30 after talks with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) on Sunday night. The two sides agreed to set up a high-level committee to examine the unions’ demand for a five-day banking week.
In a circular issued after the 9.30 pm meeting, the UFBU said it would also defer its other planned agitation. The committee will consider making the remaining Saturdays bank holidays, examine alternatives and consult stakeholders, including customers. Banks currently close on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
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The latest agreement, however, does not introduce a five-day banking week. The circular gives no deadline for the committee to reach a decision.
The IBA and UFBU will also discuss a performance-linked incentive scheme for officers in Scale IV and above. The IBA will propose changes to the government’s scheme to address union objections, the circular said. The two sides will take up other unresolved issues listed in the minutes of their August 8, 2024, meeting.
The UFBU had called the three-day strike primarily to press for all Saturdays off, citing long working hours. It says a five-day week has been under discussion for more than two years. Government sources maintain that the change was neither agreed to nor included in earlier wage negotiations.
The Finance Ministry had urged employees not to strike, warning of disruption to banking services. The UFBU had also proposed an indefinite strike from October 26.
While the circular says other agitation programmes have been deferred, it sets no new strike date if the talks do not resolve the dispute.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
