Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 12: Working in the entire banking sector across the region came to grinding halt with the strike of all Public sector banks and some private banks today.
As a part of country wide strike in the banking sector the banks across the State also observed complete strike. The call for today’s strike was given by United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the apex body representing the entire spectrum of Officers and Employees Association in the Banking sector of the country.
The UFBU alleged that IBA, the representative body of the Government, was not serious in negotiating the wage revision in the banks which has become due with effect from November Ist, 2012. Even after the lapse of two years the issue of wage revision in the banking sector is not being handled seriously by the Government. It observed that the offer of 11% given by the Government is too low and unacceptable.
The SBI Officers Association alleged that the non-serious and adamant approach of the IBA has precipitated strike call given by UFBU. Had the Government been serious about the envisaged loss to the economy and inconvenience caused to the public as a result of this strike, it would have adopted a pragmatic and realistic approach. They said that the rigid attitude of the Government and the IBA was responsible for this strike.
The SBI Officers and employees held protest demonstration at Bank’s administrative office at Rail Head complex Jammu to press for their demands. Suresh Wali, Sham Lal Hans, Satish Sharma and others addressed the gathering.
Many bank branches were found closed and at some places, the staff was staging protests and dharnas. At Shalamar Road the Punjab National Bank employees held massive protest demonstration carrying banners and placards. They were protesting under the banner of AIBEA and PNB Staff Union. The employees were also shouting slogans in support of their demand of enhancement of their salaries and bringing reforms in banking sector. Their protest culminated at City Chowk.
Several senior trade unionists including Malkeet Singh, Rakesh Chouhan, Kuldeep Gupta, K K Matoo and Shashi Pal Sharma addressed the gathering.
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