Circular No. GS: 2009: 013                  Date: 13.08.2009
TO ALL OFFICERS           PLEASE CIRCULATE
Dear Friends,
We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. CIRCULAR/GS/2009/12 dated 12-08-2009 received from our Federation for your information.
With best regards
Yours sincerely
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)

GENERAL SECRETARY
......................................................................................
“We reproduce hereunder the circular received from All India Bank Officers’ Confederation for your information:
HATS OFF TO YOU – CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE GRAND SUCCESS OF OUR TWO DAYS STRIKE ON 6TH AND 7TH AUGUST
Salutes to all our members! Congratulations. Once again the total unity and traditional militancy of the bank employees and officers have been so well-manifested, if at all anyone had any doubt about it. The 2 days continuous strike at the call of UFBU has been a roaring success. The participation has been so huge and massive. The turn out in the processions, rallies and demonstrations have been unprecedented. It was wholesome and overwhelming. Hats off to all our unions and members. You have done it again.
Our strike on 12th June was deferred because the IBA appeared to be positive and an agreement seemed possible. But the events thereafter have proved the designs of the Government and the bankers. Not only they went back on their offer, most shockingly, in the talks held as late as on 4-8-2009, they reduced their offer to 13%. They went back on the understandings on pension option as already agreed upon and informed further that the revised scheme on compassionate ground appointment/financial compensation scheme as mutually worked out cannot be implemented. They went back on all the issues and made a mockery of the negotiations held so far. It was obvious that the Government was calling the shots from behind. Hence, there was no alternative for the UFBU than to go ahead with the strike action. The last minute conditional offer of IBA could not be accepted by the UFBU. The employees and officers rightfully showed their resentment and anger over the IBA/Government going back on their offer and commitments. The insult and humiliation was befittingly answered by this strike.
About our strike, some newspaper editorials condemned the strike; the Corporates were furious; the Government was unhappy; the banking public were no doubt inconvenienced. But who was responsible for this? UFBU served the strike notice on 16-7-2009. But IBA held the talks only on 4-8-2009 just one day prior to the strike. And if the bankers and Government go back on their commitments and offers, what do we do? Can we keep quite? Hence strike was the answer.
Our strike could not be ignored. The press and media conceded that the strike was total and full. The issue was raised both in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the Parliament. Shri Sanjiva Reddy, Shri. Gurudas Dasgupta, Shri Basudev Acharya, Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav, Smt.Sushma Swaraj, Shri Sharad Yadav, Shri R.C.Singh, Shri Tapen Sen and many other leaders took up our cause. We are thankful to them.
Emergent Conciliation Meeting: In the background of the total resentment of the bank employees and officers and the massive success of our strike, the Government had to move in and the Chief Labour Commissioner, Ministry of Labour, Government of India convened a meeting today (7th August 2009) at 3-00 p.m. in his office in Delhi.
IBA was represented by Sri Ramakrishnan, Chief Executive, Mr.Unnikrishnan, Dy.Chief Executive and Mr.Venugopal, Officer on Special Duty. UFBU was represented by leaders of our constituent unions.
In this meeting, the IBA informed that they have reconsidered the matter and made the following offer as a package:
1. Increase in wages: 17.5% increase over the establishment expenses of Banks as on 31-3-2007.
2. New Pension Scheme to be introduced to new entrants with effect from 01-4-2010.
3. The existing PF optees may be given another option for pension as per understanding reached between IBA and UFBU on 9th June, 2009 when it was agreed that the employees would share Rs.1800 crores out of Rs.6000 crores funding gap identified in the joint actuarial valuation subject to the condition that at the time of the next settlement again another actuarial valuation will be carried out and the funding gap so arrived at would be shared in the ratio of 30% by the employees and 70% by the management.
4. Compassionate appointment issue would be discussed separately.
After discussing the above offer of the IBA within the UFBU meeting, it was informed to the CLC and IBA that while taking note of the offer, the unions need further clarifications and discussions and hence suggested a bipartite meeting for the same. CLC suggested that the IBA and UFBU may hold bipartite discussions at the earliest. The date of bipartite talks will be fixed up at the earliest.
Further developments will be informed to unions and members in due course”.
Yours sincerely,
Sd/-
(D.S. BHADAURIA)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. GS: 2009: 012             Date: 11.08.2009
TO ALL OFFICERS          PLEASE CIRCULATE
Dear Friends,
We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. CIRCULAR/GS/2009/11 dated 08-08-2009 received from our Federation for your information.
With best regards
Yours sincerely
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)

GENERAL SECRETARY
...................................................................
“TAMPERING WITH THE FACILITIES AND BENEFITS OF OFFICERS
The Personnel Policies of the bank are the outcome of agreements and settlements between the IBA and the Officers’ Organisations at the Industry level and between our management and our Federation, being the majority Officers’ Organisation at the bank level. The facilities and benefits to the officers are being negotiated/discussed with the managements and thereafter extended to the officers. However, in the past it was observed that the administrative heads of various departments at Central Office and the authorities of Zonal and Regional Offices were instructing the branches and offices for not extending the benefits/facilities to the officers for various reasons. We have also come across the Zonal and Regional Management not sanctioning the leave/LFC, TA Bills etc. for non-submission of certain returns, reconciliation of accounts etc. Undue pressure is being exercised on the Branch Managers and other officers by resorting to such unwarranted and undesirable methods. Recently, we have come across with a communication issued by Audit & Inspection Department advising the Zonal and Regional heads not to permit Conveyance Reimbursement to Branch Managers and also to withdraw car facility wherever provided for non-submission of Control Returns. It is surprising that every departmental head is indulging in tampering of Personnel Policies and thus violating the policies of the bank with impunity. We have sent a communication to the bank’s management demanding for rescinding of the communication issued by Audit & Inspection Department and also requesting the management to advise the Zonal and Regional Heads not to tamper with the Personnel Policies. The communication sent is reproduced hereunder:
“Our attention has been drawn to a communication issued by Audit & Inspection Department, Central Office to all the Zonal and Regional Offices regarding submission of Control Returns wherein the Zonal & Regional Managers have been advised not to permit conveyance reimbursement and/or withdraw car facility wherever provided for non-submission of the return. In this regard, we would like to state that:
1. We agree that the Control Returns are to be submitted by the branches to the Controlling Offices on time.
2. But for ensuring the timely submission of returns, it is not necessary to meddle with any of the facilities/benefits allowed to the officers.
3. The benefits and facilities being permitted to the officers are under Personnel Policies and cannot be interfered with by any other department.
4. Today when a department has issued instructions for stopping one facility, this may lead to other departments at Central Office to issue similar circulars for stopping other facilities.
5. It is also possible that every Zonal & Regional Office will also start issuing circulars meddling with the facilities of the officers for getting one or other return or reply or compliance of any other instructions.
6. It is unfortunate that the Administration has to resort to stopping of facilities for timely submission of control returns or other returns.
7. These returns are in vogue for decades and are being submitted regularly by the branches. According to our information, there are hardly 1 to 2% of branches, which are late in submission. Instead of taking corrective actions against such branches, issuance of such circulars by the Audit & Inspection Department exhibits utter disregard to the Personnel policies of the bank.
8. If such trend continues, the same will certainly lead to anarchy in the bank.
9. We have brought to your notice earlier that some of the Z.O.s and R.O.s are already indulging in such tactics for sanctioning leave, LFC, TA bill etc. and we have sought the intervention of Central Office to put a halt to such unwarranted practice.
Keeping the above in view, we demand that the communication issued by Audit & Inspection Department should be immediately rescinded/withdrawn. It is also necessary to advise all departments at Central Office, Zonal & Regional Offices to not to meddle/interfere with any of the personnel policies arbitrarily for implementation of any instructions. It would be better if the Administration handles such situation more prudently by only taking up the matter with the defaulting branches. General instructions as has been issued will only have a demoralising effect on the field functionaries and is sure to come in the way of development of the bank.
We are sure you will give this matter your immediate attention”.
We shall follow up the matter with the management for its logical conclusion.
Yours sincerely,
SD/-
(D.S. BHADAURIA)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. GS: 2009: 011          Date: 03.08.2009
TO
Dear Friends,
MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE FEDERATION AT HYDERABAD ON 9TH AND 10TH SEPTEMBER 2009 – MAKE IT A MEMORABLE EVENT
All India Central Bank Officers’ Federation (A.I.C.B.O.F.), at its Executive Committee Meeting held at Kolkata, had decided to convene the next Executive Committee Meeting of the Federation at Hyderabad. Accordingly, the Federation has now informed us that the next E.C. meeting, which is the highest decision making body in the Federation, would be convened at Hyderabad on 9th and 10th September 2009.
Friends, our Andhra Pradesh unit had last conducted the E.C. Meeting of the Federation at Hyderabad way back in 1999. Our unit has once again been gifted with the opportunity to conduct the meeting after a decade. Federation’s decision to conduct the meeting at Hyderabad itself shows the prominence given to our Unit. At the same time, it has also laid on our shoulders an enormous and challenging responsibility as conducting the meeting successfully would all depend upon the collective and dedicated efforts of every one of us.
During the E.C. Meeting, All India Office Bearers representing our affiliated units in the Bank would deliberate on various issues concerning the Officers and decide upon the future course of action to be adopted by the Federation in resolving them. The meeting would also give us an opportunity to enlighten with the developments in the Bank and the Industry apart from proving the organisational capabilities of our Unit. You are aware that Andhra Pradesh unit has a very special place in the history of the Federation, due to our militancy and launching of successful agitations in the past.
The timing of the meeting is also a significant one in many ways. First and foremost is that the meeting would be discussing and deciding our future course of action in resolving the pending issues with the management more particularly on transfer and promotion policies, which were unilaterally amended by the previous management. On numerology front also, 09.09.09, the date on which our E.C. meeting is going to be commenced, is considered to be a very auspicious day
In order to chalk out the programme for successful hosting of the E.C. meeting of the Federation, Managing Committee meeting of our Association was held at Hyderabad on 02.08.2009. The meeting discussed various issues concerning the E.C. meeting in detail and come out with suggestions. After thorough discussions, it was decided that a General Meeting of all Officers should be convened on 08th September 2009 at Hyderabad, to be addressed by the Top Leaders of our Federation as it would be a rare opportunity to see all top functionaries of the Federation addressing the gathering at one place.
As hosting the E.C. meeting of the Federation and convening General Meeting for all Officers at Hyderabad would not only involve laborious work but also require huge financial support from all the members, our M.C. meeting had decided that an appeal to be made to our members to rise to the occasion and contribute funds generously to equip our Unit to host the events at Hyderabad successfully in an efficient manner. At the same time, not to put heavy burden on general members, it has been decided by the M.C. meeting that an appeal has to be made to our members and Committee Members/Office Bearers to contribute funds as hereunder:
General members Minimum of Rs.750/-
Managing Committee Members Minimum of Rs.1500/-
Office Bearers of the Unit Minimum of Rs.3000/-
You are aware that this is the first occasion in the recent past where our Unit is making an appeal to our members to contribute funds for hosting an event. Now it is necessitated only due to the magnitude of the event and the challenging responsibility put on our shoulders by the Federation.
We once again solicit your utmost cooperation in the matter and appeal to you to contribute generously and remit the contributions by way of Bankers’ Cheques/ Demand Drafts drawn in favor of CENTRAL BANK OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION, As the time is very short and all arrangements are to be made on war footing basis, we request you to act on our appeal wholeheartedly and ensure that the contributions are remitted to the Association immediately. In case of CBS branches, members are requested to remit their contribution directly to the credit of our account No. 1033321349 with C.F.B., Hyderabad specifically mentioning their names.
We shall be informing you the details of the venue and time of general meeting in due course.
Yours sincerely,
SD./-
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. GS: 2009: 010                  Date: 23.07.2009
TO ALL OFFICERS              PLEASE CIRCULATE
Dear Friends,
We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. CIRCULAR/GS/2009/10 dated 21-07-2009 received from our Federation for your information.
With best regards
Yours sincerely
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY
............................................................................
“We reproduce hereunder circulars received from AIBOC for your information:
DELEGATION TO THE CHAIRMAN OF IBA UFBU TO MEET ON 14TH JULY 2009

TO CHALK OUT FURTHER COURSE OF ACTION
The Chairman of Indian Banks’ Association has agreed to meet the representatives of the United Forum of Bank Unions on 14th July 2009 at Mumbai as per the request of the UFBU. Our comrades are aware that a stalemate has been created in regard to the negotiations of Salary Revision and 2nd Option on Pension Scheme due to the peculiar stand of the Government in the industry level negotiations that their offer on Salary Revision of 17% is reduced to 15%. The Confederation was very particular that the 17% offer is very meager and it has to be improved substantially to meet the requirement of the Confederation. However, the IBA had advised the leaders of the United Forum of Bank Unions when they were in an emergent meeting at Bangalore on 17.06.2009 that their offer of 17% stands reduced to 15%, thus provoking the constituents of the United Forum of Bank Unions.
The UFBU thereafter decided to seek an appointment with the Chairman of IBA and convey its strong displeasure and thereafter to decide the future course of action. However, due to the indisposition of the Chairman of IBA, the appointment could not materialize earlier fixed on 29.06.09. The delegation will call on the Chairman, IBA on 14.07.2009 for submitting a memorandum. Before the delegation on the same day, UFBU will meet and decide the future course of action.
Friends, we have been receiving anxious enquiries from different parts of the country from the rank and file as to the current status of the negotiations on the issues of 2nd Option on Pension, Salary Revision etc. We are also getting anxious enquiries as to response to some of the mischievous communications issued by some of the disgruntled members of the rival unions in some of the affiliates spreading unnecessary canards against the members as well as the leadership of the Confederation. We wish to make our position clear that keeping in tune with the rich tradition, we have in the Confederation decided to ignore all such mischievous attempts on the part of the rival unions as well as some of the disgruntled elements in our organization. We are not issuing any rejoinder to such communications. The strength of the Confederation is the commitment and conviction of the members who are knowledgeable and are able to understand these old games of our detractors and will not be carried away by the vicious campaign of our rivals. We take this opportunity to reiterate to our members that the Confederation is committed to ensure that the issues of the 2nd Option on Pension as well as the Salary Revision are taken to a logical end. It is also the endeavor of the Confederation to make all out efforts to see that the salary revision is sorted out with a reasonable and respectable enhancement in Compensation System for the officer’s fraternity in the country. Hence, let the members be rest assured that the Confederation is fully prepared to go ahead with its commitment and if need be, let us ourselves be prepared for the struggle at short notice.
We note to keep our members advised of further developments in the matter.”
“DELEGATION TO IBA CHAIRMAN DID NOT YIELD DESIRED RESULTS UFBU CALLS FOR 2 DAYS STRIKE ON 6TH & 7TH AUGUST 2009
As decided earlier in the UFBU meeting held on 17.06.2009, Presidents and General Secretaries of nine Constituents of UFBU met Shri M.V. Nair, Chairman of IBA in delegation on 14.07.2009 at Mumbai; to express our displeasure on IBA reducing their earlier offer on salary revision from 17.5% to 15% and demanding resumption of talks for expedite settlement.
The IBA Chairman informed the delegation that, they are acting as per guidelines of Government and hence maintained their reduced offer of 15% on Salary Revision.
In view of this stalemate, the UFBU met thereafter and decided that the situation warrants serious agitational programmes. Accordingly the UFBU decided to give a call for 2 days All India Protest Strike action on 6th & 7th August, 2009 demanding resumption of talks and expeditious settlement of our demands, to be followed by further intensified and continuous strike actions.
Friends, the situation has been created by the IBA and the Government. They have thrown a challenge to us. Hence this agitation has been forced upon us. We request all our affiliates and members to realize the gravity of this situation and move as one man to push back the negative development and for positive realization of our long pending demands. The UFBU will issue Strike notice, with detailed action programme.”
Yours sincerely,
sd/-
(D.S. BHADAURIA)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. GS: 2009: 009              Date: 16.07.2009
TO ALL OFFICERS               PLEASE CIRCULATE
Dear Friends,
We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. CIRCULAR/GS/2009/09 dated 14-07-2009 received from our Federation for your information.
With best regards
Yours sincerely
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)

GENERAL SECRETARY
.........................................................................................
“We reproduce hereunder the communications received from AIBOC for your information
ACCOUNTABILITY AND VIGILANCE PROCEEDINGS
We have addressed a letter to IBA expressing our resentment to the vigilance guidelines issued recently by the Central Vigilance Commission to the Public Sector Banks, wherein stringent measures for improper handling of Non-performing assets are suggested, thereby tightening the noose of accountability concept around the necks of officers. Our communication addressed to IBA given hereunder is self explanatory. Further developments will be informed to you.”
“ACCOUNTABILITY AND VIGILANCE PROCEEDINGS
We draw your kind attention to the recent guidelines issued by the CVC to the Public Sector Banks, wherein we understand that, the Commission has pointed out the following:
a) Considerable delays are noticed in detection and classification of NPAs and also in fixing responsibility. Banks need to have an effective mechanism to not only examine accountability but also to monitor whether the accountability has been examined promptly.
b) Functioning of the internal advisory committee in some banks is not found to be satisfactory and it generally tends to take a lenient view and is not realistic and objective at times.
c) Complaints of any nature, particularly those having clear vigilance overtones received at the administrative offices are not forwarded to the CVOs or vigilance Department at the Bank headquarters, Vital information related to fixing of accountability in respect of accounts slipping into NPAs is also not being sent to the CVOs.
d) There should not be any cut-off limit for fixing accountability as liability in an individual loan account may be small but collectively the amount involved could be much higher.
e) Banks should devise a structured format for monitoring the fixing of accountability and selective examinations of such cases.
f) The Central vigilance is not satisfied with the way Public Sector Banks keep vigilance on non-performing assets (NPAs).
OUR VIEWS
These guidelines have far-reaching implications, which may affect the morale of the Officers working in Banking Industry.
In these days of acute competition the Banks are vying with each other to grab the major chunk of business potential and every Bank has resorted to aggressive posture as far as lending is concerned. In the process of granting loans on a large scale, a few accounts may turn out to be bad, not because the appraisal of the party’s proposal was not correct, but because of many external factors. The credit decisions will be based on the party’s performance in the past, their net worth, the current trends in business, the future potential for business, the market report on the party’s capacity, character etc. Even the most bonafide decisions may go haywire and the account may slip into NPA.
Each proposal has an element of commercial and business risk. Under such circumstances whether the sanctioning authority should be penalized?
It is pertinent to note here the following points:
(i) The marketing strategies have undergone very substantial changes keeping in tune with the competitive environment prevailing in the industry which calls for an aggressive approach in the Bank.
(ii) The discretionary powers of the officials have widely enlarged with flexibility in regard to the processing, sanctioning and follow-up of loan portfolios in tune with the current market environment to ensure the business growth of the Bank.
(iii) The Banking Industry has undergone a thorough change; aggressive marketing of business and competition which now exists in the Banking Industry, have replaced the earlier conservative approach. These are coupled with the unimaginable expectations of the Management with regard to the targets fixed from time to time.
In view of the foregoing situation, there is a need to take a practical and pragmatic view of the factors leading an asset to become a NPA. The causative factors need to be studied as to why an asset gets stressed. The bonafide decisions taken by the officers deserve a practical consideration. It is a well known fact that many credit decisions taken at the Board level also have slipped in to NPA and whether the accountability concept is applied with the same force in these cases too? Unfortunately, it is not happening and it is only the officers down the line who are brought in the ambit of disciplinary proceedings, which has caused deep frustration, fear psychosis, demoralization among the officers. This has stunted the efforts of the officers in considering even good, and quality borrowal accounts.
The guidelines issued by the Central Vigilance Commission are certainly retrograde and if implemented without thought, will have far reaching adverse impact on the morale of the officers. It is to our knowledge that officers with impeccable track records have been charge-sheeted in view of the stringent vigilance instructions. There is a need to create an atmosphere where officers can work without fear and in tune with the policy guidelines issued by the respective banks. We very strongly feel that all the above issues need to be discussed in a threadbare manner. We request you to arrange a meeting with us at the earliest, so as to enable us to present our views on the vigilance guidelines or instructions to the Public Sector Banks. Otherwise, it may go against the vigilance guidelines in a special chapter for Banks that a single bonafide mistake of an officer cost him his life time achievements.
We also would request you to take up with the Central Vigilance Commission and convey our strong resentment to the guidelines issued by them recently. Implementation of the guidelines may please be kept in abeyance.
We request you to treat this as most urgent.”
Yours sincerely,
sd/-
(D.S. BHADAURIA)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. GS: 2009: 008            Date: 09.07.2009
TO ALL OFFICERS             PLEASE CIRCULATE
Dear Friends,
We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. CIRCULAR/GS/2009/07 dated 08-07-2009 received from our Federation for your information.
With best regards
Yours sincerely
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY
............................................................................................……
“The Promotion Policy for officers and the Transfer Norms were unilaterally amended by the management in 2006. The management in the year 2006 had held discussion with our Federation but without reaching consensus on a number of issues the policies were amended. While the amendments to Promotion Policy has resulted in serious restrictions to the Specialist Category officers in terms of conversion and promotion, the amendments to transfer norms have caused immense hardships to officers in the matter of rotation, promotional placements, request transfers etc. We have requested the management to convene a meeting for taking review of the policies and to remove the injustices heaped on the officers. The communications sent to the management in this regard are reproduced hereunder for your information:
“PROMOTION POLICY FOR OFFICERS – REVIEW OF POLICY
The Promotion Policy for officers was all together a negotiated document between the management and the majority Officers’ Federation. A few rounds of discussions were held with the Federation on the proposals of the management to amend various provisions in the Promotion Policy for officers in 2006. The discussions were inconclusive and on a number of proposed amendments no consensus could be reached. However, a number of amendments were made unilaterally by placing the policy before the Board. The Federation is being assured from time to time that negotiations would be held to review the Promotion Policy for officers for bringing in suitable amendments, particularly in those provisions concerning the Specialist Category officers.
We request you to arrange for a Joint Meeting with our Federation for reviewing the Promotion Policy for officers and bringing in amendments to suit the present scenario.”
“SPECIALIST CATEGORY OFFICERS IN I.T.
In the last 3 years the bank has recruited a number of officers in Specialist Category I.T in various scales. These recruitees have also furnished a bond to serve the bank for a minimum number of years.
It has been brought to our notice by some of these officers that:
i) The applications made by these officers in I.T for employment in other organizations are not being forwarded by the CSD/ZOs to the concerned authorities.
ii) Permission is not being granted for making application for outside employment.
iii) The request of officers to resign from the services of the bank even after completion of the minimum prescribed period not being considered.
iv) Explanations are being called from the officers for making such outside employment applications.
This situation has arisen due to lack of promotional opportunities in the bank. Due to unilateral amendments made in PPO in July 2006,
i) the officers in specialist category have been banned from conversion to general category upto Scale III.
ii) the earlier provision to permit specialist category officers to participate in general category promotion process, if otherwise eligible, has also been removed unilaterally.
The number of officers in Scale I & II in IT category is quite large, but promotional opportunities are too meager.
In the present environment, the IT professionals are bound to seek better opportunities both in terms of status and perquisites. It would be unfair and unjust to prevent these officers from taking up better assignments outside, and also not provide them reasonable opportunities within the bank.
Preventing the officers from taking up better opportunities is bound to lead to frustration and this will not be in the interest of the bank. As such, we request you to advise the concerned department/ZOs to accede to the requests of the officers as and when they seek permission/ request for making the application through the bank. In the meanwhile we request you to arrange a Joint Meeting with our Federation to review PPO to bring in changes keeping the requirement of the bank and the officers in mind.”
“ REVIEW OF TRANSFER POLICY FOR OFFICERS
You are kindly aware that amendments to Norms on Transfer Policy for Officers in various scales was carried out in December 2006. A number of amendments carried out were unilateral. This matter was also one of the issues of the agitation in the bank, which culminated in an agreement in February 2007. The management had then agreed that these norms would be for a period of one year and thereafter a review of these norms would be undertaken by discussing the policy with the majority Officers’ Federation.
During the Joint Discussions with our Federation held in November 2007, a demand had been made for a discussion on the Transfer Norms. The management had again assured that these norms would be discussed with the majority Officers’ Federation for bringing in improvements. However so far the discussions have not been held.
A number of provisions in the transfer norms require review. For eg.:
I. Rotational Transfers
a) Area of rotation of Scale I officers
b) Request transfers within Zone for Scale I, II and III officers.
II. Posting on promotion
Norms for posting promotees in Scale II and III in different channels
III. Request transfer
Review of Norms for request transfer inter-zone and intra-zone and period in various scales.
IV. Protection & Preferences to various categories of officers in Rotational transfer & promotion postings.
We request you to fix a suitable date for Joint Discussions on the norms for transfer policy at the earliest.”
Yours sincerely,
sd/-
(D.S. BHADAURIA)
GENERAL SECRETARY


 

Circular No. GS: 2009: 007          Date: 15.06.2009
TO ALL OFFICERS              PLEASE CIRCULATE
Dear Friends,
We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. CIRCULAR/GS/2009/06 dated 13-06-2009 received from our Federation for your information.
With best regards
Yours sincerely
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY
.....................................................................................
We reproduce hereunder the communications received from AIBOC/UFBU for your information:
“BREAKTHROUGH IN TALKS – IBA IMPROVES OFFER –

FURTHER TALKS SHORTLY – UFBU DEERS STRIKE
“In the conciliation meeting held by Chief Labour Commissioner at New Delhi between IBA and UFBU on 04/06/09, the CLC had advised both parties to sit together across the table to sort out the issues. While from UFBU we had agreed to this suggestion in order to find amicable solution to our demands, IBA however took the stand that unless the strike is withdrawn, no talks would be held.
Hence UFBU decided to go ahead with the strike. In the face of our countrywide preparations for the strike, IBA changed their stand and came forward to hold further discussions on our demands.
Accordingly, a round of Bipartite discussion was held between IBA and UFBU in Mumbai.
Arising out of the discussions, the following positions have emerged.
(i) The precondition that the unions should agree for new pension scheme to be made applicable to the new recruits would not be insisted upon. IBA stated that the existing pension scheme will continue to be applicable to all new recruits up to 31/03/2010, but UFBU stated that this should be extended upto 31/10/2012, and matter should be reviewed thereafter. The issue will be further discussed.
(ii) Regarding sharing of additional pension cost, it has been agreed that banks would take a share of Rs.4200 crores and employees/officers at Rs.1800 crores.
(iii) To our demand for a minimum increase of 20% in the wage bill, IBA was willing to improve their offer from 15% to 17% subject to approval by Managing Committee. UFBU wanted IBA to further improve their offer to 20%.
(iv) In view of the breakthrough in the pre-conditions and willingness of the IBA to finalise our demands with a positive approach within a short time, UFBU decided to defer our proposed strike on 12/06/2009.
(v) It has been agreed that IBA and UFBU will meet again very shortly to finalise the understandings on our demands.
Friends, our unity and preparations for the strike have resulted in this breakthrough. We shall further continue our efforts to achieve our demands expeditiously.
Keep this unity intact and keep the powder dry.””
“SHRI V. ESWARAN, PRESIDENT, RELINQUISHES

THE POST ON HIS RETIREMENT –
SHRI K.S. SHETTY, CO-OPTED AS PRESIDENT OF AIBOC
Shri V. Eswaran, President, AIBOC has retired from the services of Bank of India on 31.05.2009. By virtue of his retirement, he has relinquished all the positions held by him within his organisation and also in AIBOC. On behalf of the Confederation, a heart touching farewell was given to Shri Eswaran at Executive Committee Meeting of AIBOC held on 27th and 28th March 2009 at Chennai. We have placed on record our appreciation for the services rendered by Shri Eswaran to the Bank Officers’ Movement, ever since he took active interest in the organizational activities, in particular the Confederation. Affiliates of the Confederation also honoured him on the occasion.
In continuation of our rich tradition, the Executive Committee unanimously decided to co-opt Com. K.S. Shetty, General Secretary of Syndicate Bank Officers’ Association as President of the Confederation with effect from 01.06.2009, for the remaining period of triennial. We congratulate him and wish that under his able leadership, the strength of the Confederation will further grow.”
Yours sincerely,
sd/-
(D.S. BHADAURIA)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. GS: 2009: 006 Date: 18.05.2009
TO ALL OFFICERS          PLEASE CIRCULATE
Dear Friends,

We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. CIRCULAR/GS/2009/05 dated 16-05-2009 received from our Federation for your information.
With best regards

Yours sincerely
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY
....................................................................................
We reproduce hereunder the Circular received from AIBOC/UFBU for your information:
SALARY REVISION TALKS WITH IBA ON 11.05.09 FAIL -

STRIKE ON 12.06.2009
“Units and members are aware that UFBU has been trying its best to expeditiously and amicably settle our long pending demands for Wage Revision, Pension Option and Compassionate Appointments/Ex-Gratia scheme. Quite a few rounds of talks have taken place with IBA, but things are not moving in the right direction. IBA and the Government appear to have taken our reasonable approach as our weakness.
On 11.05.09 there was another round of talks between IBA and UFBU. During the discussions, IBA improved their offer to Rs.4125 crores i.e. an increase of 15% over the wage bill as of 31.3.2007. From UFBU, it was made clear to IBA that taking into account all the factors and circumstances that warrant a substantial wage increase for the bank employees and officers, the offer of IBA was too inadequate and falls short of UFBU demands and expectations. Hence UFBU rejected the offer of IBA.
As regards Compassionate Appointments/Ex-Gratia payment scheme, units are aware that at the instance of the government, a mutually accepted scheme had been finalized by IBA and UFBU and sent to Government for formal clearance. It is now learnt that the Government is not agreeable to extend the revised scheme to past cases from July 2004, when the unilateral scheme was introduced in the banks even though IBA had agreed to the same. We informed IBA that it is unfortunate that a scheme finalized by collective bargaining is sought to be bureaucratically scuttled by the Government, and hence demanded that the scheme mutually finalized between IBA and UFBU should be implemented without any further delay.
As to our demand for extending another option to the PF optees to join the pension scheme, IBA rejected our proposals given during the last round of talks and insisted that the new pension scheme should be accepted by the UFBU for future employees as a pre-condition. UFBU refused to accept this unfair condition of IBA.
In the matter of outsourcing, IBA wants UFBU to give total freedom to management to outsource banking jobs and services and UFBU could not agree to the same.
Because of this approach and stand point of the IBA, our efforts to amicably settle our demands have been frustrating. UFBU met immediately thereafter and decided to launch agitational programmes to press our following demands.
i) Expedite Wage Settlement with adequate increase in wages of employees and officers.
ii) Extend another option for pension scheme without any pre-conditions.
iii) Do not impose anti-employee conditions in the negotiations.
iv) Implement Compassionate Appointment/Ex-Gratia Scheme as per agreed understandings.
After detailed deliberations, the meeting decided upon the following programmes:
i) Delegation and submission of memorandum to CMDs of all Banks by unions in respective banks on a date fixed by our units.
ii) Delegation to IBA Chairman by UFBU.
iii) Centralised Mass Rally/Demonstration at all state and districts headquarters on 20.5.2009.
iv) Badge wearing on 26.5.2009.
v) Branch level joint demonstrations on 26.5.2009.

vi) Dharna by UFBU units in all State Capitals and major towns on 04.6.2009.
vii) Centralised Mass Rally /demonstration in all centres on 11.6.2009.

viii) All India Strike on 12.6.2009.
ix) Two days strike by middle of July 2009.

x) Further intensification/ Strike Action thereafter.
Friends, we have negotiated with all our sincere efforts to expedite the settlement, but we regret that we are once again pushed to the path of agitation. We call upon all our units and members to implement all action programmes effectively.”
With Greetings,
Yours sincerely,
sd/-
(D.A. BHADAURIA)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. GS/2009/005 DATED 14.04.2009
To All Officers                           Please circulate
Dear Friends,
MEETING AT HYDERABAD – A GRAND SUCCESS
A meeting was arranged by our Association at Hotel Jaya International, Hyderabad on 14-04-2009, on the eve of visit of Sri N.K. Pareek, President, All India Central Bank Officers’ Federation and Officers’ Representative Director on the Board of Central Bank of India.
Around 75 members working within the Hyderabad city and near by branches, including lady members, attended the meeting with lot of enthusiasm and interest. As the meeting was arranged with a short notice, members working in Hyderabad City and surrounding areas were only invited. The meeting was conducted in a most systematic and disciplined manner
When Sri Pareek reached the venue, all the participants greeted him with thunderous slogans. No words are enough to describe the enthusiasm shown by our members in receiving our Chief Guest.
The meeting commenced at 7.00 p.m. with the welcome address by Sri D.V. Krishna Rao, Vice-President, C.B.O.A. After welcoming Sri K.V. Ramanaiah, President, C.B.O.A. to preside over the meeting, Sri N.K. Pareek was welcomed to the dais as Chief Guest amidst huge burst of applause. Later, the undersigned along with Sri S.M. Subhani, Treasurer, C.B.O.A. was welcomed to the dais. Immediately thereafter, Sri Pareek was felicitated with garlands and bouquets by a number of participants showing their love and affection to our beloved President.
While speaking, the undersigned narrated as to how the Organization was targeted by the management at all levels during the recent past. He explained that leaders and important functionaries of the Organization were targeted and attacked due to their relentless struggle against the terror unleashed in the bank. He congratulated the membership for remaining united and dedicated towards the cause of the officers’ community and keeping their faith in the organization despite various vindictive/punitive actions initiated against them. He thanked the membership for their courage in keeping the flag high despite the victimization actions initiated by the management against the Officers in general and the leaders of AICBOF in particular.
Sri N.K. Pareek deliberated at length about the developments on Wage Revision, Second Option on Pension and other developments relating to Banking Industry. He also explained in detail about the change in management’s attitude after taking over of Sri S. Sridhar, as Chairman and Managing Director of our Bank.
He informed the gathering that the Federation, as the recognized majority organization for officers in the bank, has already initiated dialogues with the management for restoration of the benefits and facilities withdrawn by the previous management unilaterally. He expressed his happiness on making available some of the benefits viz. restoration of conveyance reimbursement scheme, increase in Rent Reimbursement Facility, Provision of Furniture at the residences of the Officers etc. He also informed that the Federation has been making efforts for review of the Transfer and Promotion Policy. He expressed confidence that the management under the leadership of Sri Sridhar would create a congenial atmosphere in the bank so that the Officers work in a tension free environment.
Sri Pareek assured the participants that the Federation would relentlessly fight for securing more benefits and facilities to the Officers working in our Bank. He congratulated the membership for attending in a large number in a short notice.
While delivering Presidential Address, Sri K.V. Ramanaiah thanked the participants for their enthusiastic participation and assured that the Leadership of the Organization would be dedicated to the cause of the officers.
Later in the inter-action session, some of the participants raised queries on several issues including the Transfer and Promotion Policy, Wage Revision etc., which were promptly clarified by Sri Pareek to the satisfaction of one and all.
The meeting was concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Sri M. Siva Sankara Rao, Dy. General Secretary, C.B.O.A.
Friends, the meeting turned out to be a memorable event though it was arranged in a short notice and all members felt after hearing Sri Pareek’s speech that bilateralism has been restored in the Bank after a long time. The enthusiasm and zeal shown by the rank and file describes their sheer dedication to the cause of Officers’ Community and their unstinted affiliation to the Organization, as it has been proved umpteen number of times that A.I.C.B.O.F. is the only Organization in the Bank, waging its relentless struggle for the benefit of Officers working in the Bank.
We thank all our members for their contribution in conducting the Meeting successfully.

Yours sincerely,
sd/-
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY

Circular No. GS: 2009: 004 Date: 14.04.2009

TO ALL OFFICERS PLEASE CIRCULATE
Dear Friends,
We reproduce hereunder the Circular No. CIRCULAR/GS/2009/04 dated 13-04-2009 received from our Federation for your information.
With best regards
Yours sincerely
(C.A. MALLIKARJUNA RAO)
GENERAL SECRETARY
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We reproduce hereunder the circular received from AIBOC for your information:

“ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS -
NEGOTIATIONS AT INDUSTRY LEVEL STALEMATED
WORKING COMMITTEE TO MEET ON 22.04.09
Friends, we have been receiving anxious enquiries from different parts of the country in regard to the present position of the negotiations with IBA on the issue of 2nd Option on Pension, Salary Revision and all other related issues. Apart from writing a letter, we are in constant touch with the Convener of UFBU for getting the latest developments in regard to the IBA’s stand on the various issues that were raised in the last Bipartite meeting and their response to our demand for an early resolution of all the issues that are pending before the IBA.
Our friends are aware that our last meeting with the IBA brought certain new elements in the discussions and put it as a precondition for the continuation of discussions in regard to the 2nd Option on Pension. The issue of 2nd Option on Pension according to our perception had reached the final stage and it was only a small accommodation here and there on the part of the IBA in regard to the sharing of cost etc. However, the Negotiating Team from IBA threw a totally new subject that is the introduction of defined contributory pension as a precondition for the conclusion of the issue of 2nd Option on Pension. We were not expecting this turn of events. The meeting ended without any forward movement, since the unions stoutly opposed the attitude of the IBA and its unhelpful attitude in resolving one of the long pending demands of the bank employees and officers which was under negotiations for quite a long time.
Thereafter the representatives of UFBU met the officials of the Banking Department, IBA Chairman, the Hon’ble Minister for Labour, the Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of India, to resolve the impasse created by the Indian Banks’ Association. The representatives of the Banking Department and also the concerned Ministries heard our views and agreed to issue appropriate directions to the IBA for resumption of the negotiations. However, when we approached IBA to find out their response, we were told that the Chairman of the IBA is placing the subject before the Management Committee and seek their views in the matter. Accordingly, the Management Committee met on 23.03.2009 at Hyderabad. We understand from the IBA quarters that there is no change in the stand of the Management Committee of IBA and they have only reiterated their earlier position as revealed in the last Bipartite meeting.
The Convener is also reported to have been in constant touch with the IBA to know the final outcome of the Management Committee Meeting. We had expected a meeting to be convened by the IBA before the end of March 2009. However, there is no response yet from the IBA and the officers’ fraternity all over the country is getting restless. In the meanwhile, the parliamentary election process is on. The confusion still persists as regards the application of the Election Code of conduct. However, the Government has approved the revision of salary scales in respect of the Public Sector Units and the necessary notification is awaited. Hence, there should not be any embargo as regards our negotiations as well. We have already requested the Convener of UFBU to insist for the next round of discussions to reach finality on the issue of 2nd Option on Pension and all other issues which are under negotiation. We are also aware of the efforts of some of our rival unions to misquote the views and stand of the Confederation through their circulars on the various issues connected with the negotiations. We would only advise our members not to be misled by such mischievous propaganda of our detractors and to go only by the official version that is issued by the Office of the Confederation. There is a need to display unity and solidarity in full measure, so that the rivals are not able to encash upon their mischievous propaganda. The official stand of the Confederation until the matter is discussed and debated in the Working Committee is that the Confederation is responsible for the progress in the negotiations in the matter of 2nd Option on Pension and the pre-conditions that are now on the negotiating table cannot be accepted by us since it has already been rejected during the course of Bipartite meeting.
In the meanwhile, it has been decided to hold Working Committee meeting on 22.04.09 at Bangalore in order to discuss the various issues confronting the banking industry including the ongoing negotiations with IBA and the stand that the Confederation should take in case the IBA is bent upon pursuing the issue of defined contributory pension as a pre-condition for the introduction of 2nd Option on Pension. The occasion also will be utilized to work out appropriate strategies for tackling other issues such as the issue of salary revision which should be compatible with and comparable to the 6th Pay Commission and all the issues raised in our last Charter of Demands submitted to the Indian Banks Association for their consideration.
All our members are requested to await for further developments in the matter.”

With greetings,
Yours sincerely,
SD/-
(D.S. BHADAURIA)
GENERAL SECRETARY