Dear Comrades,
MEETING WITH THE MANAGEMENT
Units are aware that our Federation has been constantly pursuing certain issues of importance with the Management and had launched some organisational campaign to draw the attention of the Management . Due to continuing Pandamic situation, possibilities of a physical meeting with the Management had become difficult, though we had couple of meetings through virtual mode during this period. However action on assurances given by the Management on many issues through these meetings , was not adequate from the Management. Upon our constant follow up, Management desired a physical meeting with the President and General Secretary and accordingly scheduled a meeting on 13 th August. However due to reasons like visit of Parlamentary committees etc, the meeting was to be rescheduled on 4 th September.
Meeting With MD & CEO:
The undersigned along with our President com. K.Vijhayan and Deputy General Secretary com.Partha Chanda first met the MD & CEO on 3rd September. During the discussions with the MD & CEO we highlighted our two important demands – Need for Adequate supply of manpower at branches – Recruitment of Clerks & Substaff and Steps for addressing our concerns over the Daily wagers & Canteen boys . We also placed certain proposals for absorption of Daily wagers & Canteen boys and urged upon him to initiate steps to take forward the proposals to find early end to this long pending issue. MD & CEO after giving a patient hearing, informed us that Bank is expected to come out of PCA very soon and will be in a position to address our concern on the Shortage of Manpower. He also shared our concern over the Daily Wagers and Canteen Boys and felt that the issue need to be resolved as soon as possible and wanted us to work out the process with the HRM that will be free from any legal tangle. He also reiterated his resolve to place the Bank in more comfortable position and wanted us to strengthen his efforts. We, while congratulating him for extension of his tenure as MD & CEO of Ucobank for further two years , we assured him that AIUCBEF will continue to play it’s responsible and proactive role towards making the Bank more vibrant. He appreciated and thanked the role & cooperation of unions during this critical period. We also thanked him for his encouraging response to our concerns.
Meeting with HRM: On 3rd we had some informal discussions both on the issues submitted by Federation and on the proposals given by them on Promotion Policy, Transfer Policy, parameters for staffing pattern ( clerical) and Performance Appraisal Report (as advised by the Government).
On 4th September 2021: From Management side GM, AGM and Chief Managers from HRM were present. From our side besides the undersigned & President Com.Partha Chanda (DGS) and com. Mitun Kundu (Asst Sec) participated. Meeting , as scheduled, commenced at 12 pm and Concluded at 6 pm. In the meeting the undermentioned issues raised by Federation were taken up for discussions and the response of the Management given here under. 1. Substaff Promotions: Though Management wanted us to wait for New Promotiin Policy to declare promotions from Substaff to Clerical cadre, upon our insistence, agreed to initiate the process immediately. Accordingly notification will be released for promotion through First Channel – Graduate Substaff -which will be followed by declaration of promotions for Channel 2& 3 ( MATRICULATE & ABOVE).2. Interstate Transfer Requests : It was informed that as insisted by Federation, HRM could consider & clear more than 100 such requests, but rest could not be dealt due to reasons of acute shortage of clerical staff in some Zones( from where transfers are sought) and few Zones already having reached saturation ( to where requests are pending) . How ever we reiterated our demand for- a) Considering the remaining requests atleast in respect of those employees who had completed minimum two years of service as of 31/3/21 ( that is upto the batch of 2018), b) Keep alive the requests in HRMS that are termed as “not permitted” and closed. c) More transparency to ensure that there is no complaints of violations of Policy. While appreciating our concerns , Management expressed their inability to consider all requests at a time but assured to consider as many as possible on ongoing basis. They also assured to consider our suggestions on those requests which are already ” not permitted” . 3. Compassionate Appointments: On our complaints over delay or denial of Compassionate Appointments, it was explained that most part of the delay is due to lack of timely action from Zonal Offices and in some cases delayed submission of required documents from the families. How ever it was agreed to take steps to remove the bottlenecks, for speedy disposal of such applications. Further we were assured that the committee constituted for the purpose is already advised to take liberal approach . It was also informed that in respect of applications from the families of the employees who died due to Covid infection, more liberal approach is being adopted and appointments granted irrespective of the income /financial background of the families. 4. Pension to those appointed between 1/11/1993 and 31/12/1994 : Pension is denied, citing the reason that they had failed to submit fresh option as was called upon by the Bank vide their circular .October 1994. Upon our reiteration that these employees were not at fault as the Bank has misled them to believe as if they were treated as deemed optees , by marking in their PF statements , Bank should consider granting them Pension. Management , once again assured to explore the possibility and do the needful. ( Units to send details of such cases to Federation) .1. Functional Allowance Posts: Upon drawing their attention to lack of steps or lack of inclination by certain Zonal Offices, such posts are remaining unfilled for long time. Similarly where steps taken and orders issued , relieving has not taken place and allowance as per provisions of PPA is denied, Management informed that already necessary instructions have been given to those Zonal Offices where from references had come. Where ever the issue remains they would be advised suitably . 1. Payment of Gratuity to LBY agents who have exited from service: HRM would refer the matter to Strategic Planning Department for their action. We also met the General Manager , Strategic Planning, who after hearing us, assured to take steps where ever details are made available from concerned Zonal Offices . We also agreed to send details of pending cases to them . ( Units to forward details of such cases)1. 11 th Bipartite Arrears: a) Management agreed to simplify the procedure to enable the families of the deceased employees ( who were in service with Bank and died / retired after 1/11/2017 and died there after) as we pointed out that Bank should not insist consent of all the legal heirs for parting with the payment to spouses / nominee . b) In respect of those retired after 1/11/2017, revision of pension & revision in commutation arrears after factoring in the stagnation increment ( eligible as per 11th Bipartite settlement ) , Bank is awaiting some clarification from IBA and assured to take speedy steps for early disbursement. c) Our complaint on revision in washing allowance and Daftary allowance not being paid to Substaff members would also be dealt expeditiously.
On Propasals of the Management :
Revision in Promotion Policy : While agreeing for renewal / revision of PROMOTION POLICY which was signed on 6 th June ,2019 and which is due for renewal/ revision from 6/6/2020 , we placed our views on various changes proposed by the Management. After exchange of views it was decided to further discuss and arrive at a mutually acceptable conclusion.
Revision in Transfer Policy: Managemnt desired a comprehensive transfer policy for award staff clubbing the Request Transfer Policy, Rotational Transfer Guidelines and Redeployment Policy and submitted their proposals. After lot of discussions here again, it was agreed that this proposal will be dealt after Federation submits it’s view points.
Parameters for assesment of requirement of Clerical Staff:Extensive discussions were held upon the details & proposals submitted by the Management and it was decided to discuss further after Federation study the implications of the proposals & submit it’s view points.
Interms of the decision communicated by the Ministry, Management once again informed that they propose to introduce Performance Appraisal System for award staff ( non Substaff ) and the specimen of the format was also given to us. We reiterated our earlier position against introduction of PAR and if used as a tool against the interest of the employees. Management , however said that most Banks have introduced this system and our Bank should not be put to embarassment before the Government.
We also dealt with some GRIEVANCES of individual cases to which Management agreed to give a relook into such matters.
We , then met the Executive Director , Shri.Ishraq Ali Khan , who joined our Bank recently . While he expressed confidence that Bank would scale newer heights with the involvement and cooperation of all , he also told us that it would be his endeavour to keep cordial relationship with our Federation . We thanked and gave our best wishes.
In sum and substance , we have to say that the meetings with the Top Management after a gap of nearly two years was quite satisfying and encouraging one. Let us hope for better days ahead both for the Bank and for the work force.
We had an opportunity to address a small gathering of young activists of Ucobank Staff Union which too was energising and encouraging. It is also heart-wrenching to observe that our Staff Union in West Bengal is scaling newer heights with over whelming majority of young employees rallying round . Our congratulations and best wishes.
Rest when we meet in Office bearers meeting on 7th September through virtual mode.
With Greetings,
Comradely yours,
C.M. Patel
General Secretary.
Our respectful Homage : We were saddened to be informed that Com. D. Chanda, former President of UCBEA ( BEFI) passed away on 4th due to Massive Heart attack. He was 85 . Com. Chanda was known to be a militant and revolutionary leader . He was part of officebearers team of undivided UCBEA ( AIBEA) Kolkata and working committee member of AIUCBEF , before the formation of BEFI unit in 1979. A very committed leader who continued to serve the movement, mindless of his age AIUCBEF pays it’s respect and homage to the departed soul and convey condolences to all his loved ones.