Union Bank faces disruption as 7% of workforce set for strike tomorrow

The Mumbai-headquartered public sector bank, Union Bank of India, is facing a strike on September 27, 2024, with approximately 7% of its workforce, primarily customer service associates and office assistants, participating. The strike is being organised by JFUBU or the Joint Forum of Union Bank Unions — comprising the unions AIUBEF, AIUBSF, UBSA, and UBIEU (Delhi).

In an official statement to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the bank explained that while the majority unions had deferred their strike, the joint forum has decided to proceed. The bank acknowledged that services in some branches and administrative offices could be disrupted, but it is taking steps to minimise the impact.

“In compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBl (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, we inform that Joint Forum of AIUBOF and AIUBEA, which are the majority unions of the Bank, have agreed to withdraw the strike. However, Joint Forum of AIUBEF, AIUBSF, UBSA and UBIEU, Delhi, consisting of Customer Service Associates and Office Assistants propose to go on Strike on 27.09.2024,” the statement read.

Also Read: Mumbai Rains LIVE Updates: IMD predicts heavy rainfall over Konkan, Goa, parts of Maharashtra today

The All India Union Bank Officers’ Federation (AIUBOF) and All India Union Bank Employees’ Association (AIUBEA), representing the majority of officers and employees, called off their planned strike following a conciliation meeting on September 25, mediated by the Chief Labour Commissioner in Delhi.

This meeting addressed key concerns raised by the unions, including staffing shortages, recruitment practices, work-life balance, and transfer policy issues. The outcome was an agreement with management, which involved the formation of committees to resolve these matters within 60 days. The unions expressed their satisfaction with these commitments, stating that their strike was averted for now due to the bank’s assurances.

However, the Joint Forum, representing a smaller but significant portion of the workforce, has chosen to continue with its strike plans. Their demands include immediate recruitment of clerks, the non-implementation of the apprentice system, and addressing long-standing issues faced by casual employees.

Initially, the Joint Forum had planned its strike for September 30. In response to AIUBOF and AIUBEA’s original strike date of September 27, the Joint Forum adjusted its strike date to align with the other unions. Despite the majority unions later withdrawing their strike plans, the Joint Forum remains committed to proceeding with their action on September 27.

Also Read: Jio-bp hits 5,000 EV chargers as Anant Ambani and Murray Auchincloss unveil 500th station at Mumbai’s BKC