AS PART of the ongoing struggle United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) organised a massive demonstration in front of Bank of India, Kingsway, on Wednesday. More than 500 bank employees participated in the demonstration with great enthusiasm and solidarity, raising their voices in support of 5-day banking and against anti-worker policies. The demonstration was led by Jaiwant Gurway, Chairman of EMBEA, Chendil Iyer and Arvind Gadikar, who raised slogans demanding the immediate implementation of 5-day banking and opposing anti-worker policies of the present Government.

 

The demonstrations were held following the massive strike held on January 27, demanding implementation of the commitment given by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the 12th Bipartite Settlement for the introduction of 5 day banking, bankers expected a positive response from the Government. Unfortunately, the Government has continued to adopt a negative approach towards this genuine and long-pending demand. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), comprising all seven constituent unions i.e. AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF and INBOC are continuing their agitational programme with renewed determination to fight against the Government’s adamancy in resolving the legitimate demands of bank employees. Addressing the gathering, Suresh Bobhate, General Secretary of EMBEA and Joint Convener of UFBU, Nagpur Chapter, highlighted the pending demands arising from the 12th Bipartite Settlement, including, immediate implementation of 5-day banking. He pointed out that despite the understanding reached between the IBA and UFBU, several of these demands continue to remain unattended and pending. The UFBU representatives warned that, if five-day banking is not implemented, they may escalate their measures, including an indefinite strike in the future.