AICBOF CIRCULAR NO. 10 DATED 21.02.2013 ON MASSIVE RESPONSE TO 2 DAYS' STRIKE

AIBOC issued its circular No. 10 dated 21.02.2013 on massive response to 2 days’ strike. We are placing the same here for our readers.

CIRCULAR NO. 10                               DATE: 21.02.2013

TO ALL AFFILIATES /MEMBERS:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR COMRADES - MASSIVE RESPONSE TO 2 DAYS’ STRIKE - BANKING INDUSTRY VIRTUALLY CLOSED - UFBU CALL RESPONDED BY OVER ONE MILLION EMPLOYEES - CAMPAIGN AND STRUGGLE AGAINST ANTI-PEOPLE POLICY TO CONTINUE

Comrades, it is yet another demonstration of unity and solidarity amongst the working class in our country to-day in response to two days strike call on 20th and 21st given by the entire trade union fraternity, sponsored by the Central Trade Unions, independent Federations and associations of the working class. We have recorded yet another golden chapter in the history of Bank employees’ movement in the country under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions which has the background of having fought on a continuous basis against the ill-advised moves of the Government in the name of reforms in the financial sector. The 9 constituents of the United Forum of Bank Unions led the struggle from the forefront and the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation being one of the major constituents of the UFBU participated in the struggle whole heartedly all over the country thereby virtually bringing down the shutters of the entire banking industry.

The strikers all over the country held massive demonstrations in front of the Head Quarters of the banks and other financial institutions in order to express their anger against the road roller tactics of the UPA Government and the recent attack on the Public Sector Units with a view to hand over these units to the Private Sector as well as the MNCs in the name of FDI, foreign equity etc. The leaders of various constituents of the United Forum of Bank Unions addressed the rallies all over the country and explained at length the need for sustained struggle in order to defend the interest of the public sector units and also the working class in the country. The issues that have been espoused for the purpose of the strike are dear not only to the Bank employees but also to the common man of the country since they are very adversely affected due to the so called opening up of the economy. The recent de-regulation of various essential commodities, the withdrawal of the subsidy in a systematic manner by the Government has greatly contributed to the rising cost of living thereby making the life of the people living below the poverty line as well as the working class including the middle class facing difficulty in these days.

The United Forum of Bank Unions had issued the strike notice covering the various issues flagged by the Central Trade Unions and also our own issues affecting the working condition of the employees and officers in the banking industry.

The major issues that were flagged for the 2 days strike are as follows-

Ø  Concrete measures to contain price rise.

Ø  Concrete measures for employment generation.

Ø  Strict enforcement of labour laws.

Ø  Universal social security cover for organized and unorganized workers and creation of National Social Security Fund and

Ø  Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs/ Undertakings.

Ø  No Contractorisation of work of permanent / perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry/ establishment.

Ø  Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs.10, 000/- linked with cost price index.

Ø  Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; Increase the quantum of gratuity.

Ø  Assured Pension for all.

Ø  Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98.

UFBU’s CALL FOR STRIKE ON THE FOLLOWING ISSUES AND DEMANDS:

In support of the 10 point Charter of Demands of Central Trade Unions.

Ø  Control alarming price rise.

Ø  Stop anti-worker Labour Reforms - Hands off trade union rights.

Ø  Stop Banking Reforms.

Ø  Stop Outsourcing.Early wage revision.

Ø  Settle pending issues like compassionate appointment scheme.

The strike also is intended to convey to the IBA and the Government our strong resentment over the apathy exhibited by them towards our own issues such as lack of initiative to commence the negotiations on 10th bipartite, the total apathy towards a number of issues such as the Compassionate Appointment Scheme etc., which are kept in cold storage for the last several years despite our continuous plea for an early solution to help the families of the deceased employees and officers in the banking industry.

The reports received from various parts of the country indicate that the demonstrations, rallies and processions were held in all State Head Quarters, District Head Quarters and smaller cities and towns throughout the country to express solidarity and unity of the working class throughout the country. The Capital of our country at Delhi witnessed a massive demonstration and rally addressed by the senior leaders of Bank Unions and also several public personalities including the members of legislative forums all over the country. The media also gave a wide coverage for the success of the strike in the entire financial sector and thus the issues on which we are on agitation received a wide coverage in the electronic media instantly.

We have also received reports from the affiliates of the Confederation all over the country of the successful implementation of the strike call given by the United Forum of Bank Unions. The leadership of the Confederation took active interest in ensuring success of the strike action throughout the country. The Local Chapters of the United Forum of Bank Unions received a total support from our leaders from the Confederation.

The struggle is for the common cause and to ensure that the people of this country are protected from the exploitation of the MNC’s and the affluent countries who are looking to capture the Indian markets to boost their sagging economies in their domestic markets.

Hence, let us resolve to rally round the United Forum of Bank Unions and participate in the continuous campaign and struggle in order to save the working class in our country.

Comrades, you have demonstrated your strength of unity and solidarity through your participation in the strike in total and hence it is for the Government and authorities concerned to draw appropriate message and halt all anti-people and anti-working class initiatives by them in the interest of the common man in our country.

The struggle has to continue.  All our members and affiliates are requested to be in readiness for further course of agitation and rally round the United Forum of Bank Unions in all its future programs as well.

With revolutionary greetings,

Sd/-

(D.S.RISHABADAS)

GENERAL SECRETARY