Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 30
Normal banking operations in Nagaland were affected today as bank employees across the state joined the 48-hour all-India bank strike under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), demanding early revision of wages.
Staging a strike at SBI Kohima branch here this morning, State Bank of India Staff Association (SBISA) NE circle Vice President, A Lolly Moses said “We should get our due. We are fighting for our survival”
The striking bankers shouted slogans in opposing the IBA’s delay in resolving the association’s charter of demands; the government’s casual approach to wage revision for bank employees and officers; the IBA’s meager offer of 2% hike in wage bill towards wage increase; and partial mandate given by some of the banks only up to scale III officers.
The association is demanding expeditious and early wage revision settlement, adequate increase in salary and improvement in other service conditions and wage revision settlement to include all officers up to scale VII.
Moses said the bankers would be compelled to go for an indefinite strike if the government fails to fulfill their demands. “The government and IBA have forced the 2 days strike on bank employees and this is nothing but pure provocation,” he said.
He added that the government, which was once advising the banks and IBA to conclude the wage settlement much prior to expiry of the then existing 10th bipartite settlement, is now suddenly adamant and does not advise IBA any more to negotiate and conclude the settlement.
Moses said that the bank employees have been meticulously involved in various affairs including demonitisation; government insurance schemes; sanctioning and disbursing Mudra loans; opening Jan Dhan accounts; seeding Aadhaar Cards etc. However, the bank employees have been subjected to such ill treatment with an offer of 2% wage hike, he stated. Moses informed that Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are being granted wage revision of around 15 to 20% wage hike, and there is no need for the government to delay the wage revision to bank people. “Only a resounding strike will push the government and IBA to come to terms,” he added.
“The IBA's negative attitude towards the bankers is intolerable. We may call further agitation if our two days strike does not yield any positive reply from IBA,” Moses stated. Bankers all over the country are set to continue their strike till May 31.
