CIRCULARs

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.24 OF 2014 6th October 2014 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Members,

Re: Early Wage Revision
–
Action Programmes announced by UFBU


We have already informed you vide our circular No.23 dated 27th September 2014 Action programmes announced
by UFBU in pursuit of early Wage Revision as under:

10.10.2014 BLACK BADGE WEARING

17.10.2014 COUNTRY WIDE PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS

Between 18.10.2014  and  31.10.2014
ONE DAY DHARNA AT ALL STATE CAPITALS (Date shall be decided by the State Unit of UFBU)
 
COUNTRY WIDE ONE DAY PROTEST STRIKE – date will be announced shortly.
FOLLOWED BY INTERMITTENT AND RELAY STRIKES AS WELL AS
INDEFINITE STRIKE.
 
One day Dharna at all State Capitals should be held in coordination with State UFBU units.

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,
(K.K.NAIR)
GENERAL SECRETARY


CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.23 OF 2014                         27th September 2014

Dear Members,

Re: Meeting with IBA on Charter of Demands on 26th September 2014
-------o0o-------
Further to our circular No.21 of 18th September 2014, we wish to inform that IBA held with UFBU another round of discussions on its Charter of Demands on 26th September 2014. IBA was represented by Shri Rajeev Rishi (CMD,Central Bank of India), Chairman of the Negotiating Committee along with other members of the Negotiating Committee. UFBU was represented by all its constituent unions. Text of the circular issued by the Convenor, UFBU after the meeting is reproduced hereunder:

“In today's meeting there was a detailed discussion on our demand for 100% reimbursement of hospitalisation expenses incurred by the employees/officers and their family members and the group mediclaim scheme offered by the IBA in response thereto.  We explained our various apprehensions about the implementation of the scheme and hassle-free reimbursement of claims thereunder. We reiterated that employees/officers should not be required to deal directly with the insurance company or their Third Party Administrators. IBA has agreed and accordingly clarified that even though employees would be covered by the mediclaim scheme, they would continue to submit their claims to the management as hitherto and the reimbursement would be made by the Banks with the improved benefits of the scheme accruing to the employees.  IBA also agreed to incorporate the suggestions submitted by the UFBU while finalising the scheme.  Hence a broad in-principle consensus was mutually agreed upon and the final scheme would be worked out accordingly on the above lines.

We also raised the following issues during the discussions today:

?    Pension related matters i.e. 100% DA on pension for pre-Nov. 2002 retirees, improvement in family pension, provision for periodical updation of pension
?    Introduction of 5 days banking / 5 days working
?    Regulated working hours for officers

After discussion, IBA informed that they are inclined to favorably consider the demand of 100% DA on pension for pre-Nov. 2002 retirees.  IBA further informed that cost aspect on improvement in family pension is being worked out and they would soon take a decision on the same.  IBA responded positively on this issue. As regards updation of pension, IBA informed that in view of the high cost involved, it would be difficult to agree to the same.  On our insistence, IBA agreed that any viable and affordable proposition from the UFBU in this regard would be examined.

As regards 5 day banking / 5 day working, IBA regretted their inability to accept our demand in the present situation. From UFBU, we insisted on this issue and hence IBA agreed that if a detailed note is submitted to them with the requisite logic and rationale, they would apply their mind afresh on this issue.

On the issue of regulated working hours for officers, IBA was not inclined to agree to the same. However, on drawing their attention to the note submitted by the Officers Organisation, IBA agreed to study the same and react subsequently.

From the IBA, they wanted to know our views and reactions on introduction of cost to company method as well as fixed and variable pay concepts. From UFBU we have reiterated our standpoint that the same are not acceptable to us.  IBA also insisted for limiting the wage revision discussions upto scale III officers instead of upto scale VII which was also declined by us.

On the vital issue of improvement in the offer of IBA over 11%, despite our indication that we would be flexible in our demand, depending on improvements in other areas, IBA has conveyed that they are unable to improve their offer unless UFBU scale down further in its demand considering the financial constraints of the banks.  We categorically informed IBA that UFBU would be reasonable and flexible in its approach provided the same is reciprocated by the IBA on the issues raised by us and insisted on IBA to improve their offer to take the negotiations forward.  However, IBA was adamant in their stand and did not improve their offer and stuck to their earlier offer of 11%.  UFBU expressed its unhappiness over the rigid stand of IBA on improvement.

In the UFBU meeting held subsequently, representatives of all the constituent unions expressed their dissatisfaction and condemned the lackadaisical approach and adamant attitude of IBA and unanimously decided to undertake agitational programmes to press our demands and to expedite the settlement.  After deliberations, it was decided to observe One day Protest Strike preceded by the following action programmes:


10.10.2014      BLACK BADGE WEARING


17.10.2014    COUNTRY WIDE PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS

Between 18.10.2014 and 31.10.2014     ONE DAY DHARNA AT ALL STATE CAPITALS

(Date shall be decided by the State Unit of UFBU)

COUNTRY WIDE ONE DAY PROTEST STRIKE


It was also decided that the one day protest strike shall be followed by intermittent and relay strikes as well as indefinite strike. Detailed circular on the date of one day protest strike and other agitation programmes will be issued in due course.

With regards,
                                          Yours sincerely,

                                      (K.K.NAIR)
                                      GENERAL SECRETARY



CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.22 OF 2014           19th September,2014


Dear Members,

                     Re:Shri Prem Kumar  Makkar appointed  as a Director on the Board of our Bank


We are extremely happy to inform that Shri Prem Kumar Makkar, Secretary( North Zone) has been appointed as a Director representing officers on the Board of our Bank with effect from today, in terms of a Notification issued by Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services, New Delhi dated 19.09.2014.This announcement is in conformity with our Association submitting a panel of three names of  Secretaries to the Govt. of India through our Bank and is yet another epoch making event in the illustrious history of our Association.

Friends, the appointment of our Shri Prem Kumar Makkar has come at a time when our officers are making concerted efforts to realize the aims behind the noble motto “Race Ahead” which our bank ushered in the current financial year and to bring more and more Gen.‘Y’customers to its fold. We are confident that Shri Makkar will be a harbinger for carrying forward the philosophy of our Association and also ensure integration of the young officers to great ideals of our Association which stands for the Welfare of Officers’ community and growth of the Bank.

On this historic moment, we wish to place on record our sincere appreciation and grateful thanks to Shri V.B.Chavan for the valuable role played by him during his tenure as Officer Director on the Board of our Bank. We also take this opportunity to congratulate Shri Prem Kumar Makkar and wish him all success in his new assignment. We urge upon each one of you to extend Shri Makkar your unbridled support and co-operation to enable him to discharge his duties effectively.

With greetings,
   



                               Yours sincerely,

                               (K.K.NAIR)
                                GENERAL SECRETARY




CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.21 OF 2014        18th September,2014

Dear Members,

Re: Meeting with IBA on Charter of Demands on 17.9.2014


As you are aware, the UFBU had a meeting with IBA on Charter of Demands on 17th September,2014 at Mumbai. Prior to the meeting with IBA, a meeting of the representatives of UFBU also took place. Text of a circular issued by Convenor, UFBU, after the meeting, is reproduced below for your information:

“The representatives of UFBU met at 11.00 a.m. to discuss and decide the strategies to be adopted in the negotiations with IBA.  It was decided that along with the percentage increase in its offer, other important issues like regulated working hours, 5-day week, improvements in pension related matters should also be raised simultaneously.

In the IBA meeting, Sri Bhasin, who was the Negotiating Committee Chairman till the last meeting and now elected as Chairman of IBA introduced the newly constituted Negotiating Team of IBA under the leadership of Sri Rajeev Rishi, the newly appointed Chairman of Negotiating Committee.

Subsequent to brief introduction and completion of formalities, before commencement of negotiations on wage revision, UFBU raised the following issues:

•    Compassionate Appointment Scheme:

While thanking the IBA for its efforts and being instrumental in getting clearance of the Government for introduction of Compassionate Appointment Scheme on the lines available to Central Government employees, UFBU sought clarifications on issues like eligibility, applicability with regard to death cases prior to 05.08.2014, etc., to which IBA conveyed that the matter would be referred to Government and necessary clarifications will be issued on receipt of their advices;

•    Accounts to be opened under Jan Dhan Yojana:

While appreciating and extending the support of UFBU to the initiatives taken by the Government towards extension of banking facility to all the people in the Country, UFBU expressed the following apprehensions:
?    The compromises on KYC norms may lead to opening of fraudulent accounts for which employees should not be held accountable;
?    The pressure due to the targets stipulated for opening of accounts are greatly affecting the regular banking activities and services to existing customers;



?    Due to the stipulation on timings for opening of accounts from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., employees are forced to work beyond their working hours and are also under severe stress to achieve the stipulated target.

During the negotiations, IBA informed that the UFBU's demand of 25% increase in pay slip components is on high side and beyond the paying capacity of banks and insisted that UFBU should review its demand, to which UFBU responded as under:
?    IBA should substantially revise its offer of increase in pay slip components;
?    The other important issues like regulated working hours, 5-day banking, improvements in pension related matters, etc. should be discussed simultaneously and in a time-bound manner;
?    The meetings on negotiation have to be held regularly at frequent intervals ensuring expeditious settlement;
?    UFBU will have flexibility in its demand depending upon the response of IBA on all the above matters.
IBA assured us to schedule the next round of meeting within one week to discuss comprehensively on all the issues.  Comrades - every effort is being made by UFBU not only for expeditious conclusion but also for a respectable Tenth Bipartite Wage Settlement.  Let us continue to maintain our unity which would strengthen us in achieving our goals.  Further developments will be advised in due course.”
                                                                                                                 
With greetings,
   

                        Yours sincerely,


                              (K.K.NAIR)
                                    GENERAL SECRETARY





 CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.20 OF 2014                                              26th August, 2014

Dear Members,
                           Re: 1. Transfer of female employees –  Minimising their hardship.
                                  2. Posting of  employees who have             Differently abled dependents.
                                  3. Golden Jubilee Celebration of our Association.
                                                               -------o0o-------
We wish  to inform that GOI has issued a Notification advising all PSBs to:
i. accommodate, as far as possible, placement/transfer of married female employee, on her request, at a place where her husband is stationed or as near as possible to that place or vice-versa; and
ii. accommodate, as far as possible, placement/transfer of unmarried female employee, on her request, at a place where her parents, are stationed or as near as possible to that place.
Accordingly, Public Sector Banks will frame a Policy with the approval of the Board and implement the government decision as above. Pending requests may also be considered under the above notification.
Posting of employees who have differently abled dependents
Government of India has also advised, vide a notification dated 6th June,2014, that an employee who is also a care giver of disabled child may be exempted from the routine exercise of transfer/rotational transfer subject to the administrative constraints. The word ‘disabled’ includes (i) blindness or low vision (ii) hearing impairment (iii)  locomotor disability or Cerebral Palsy (iv)leprosy cured (v) mental retardation (vi) mental illness and (vii) multiple disabilities. We are thankful to the Government for their above  kind decisions.
Golden Jubilee Celebration of our Association
Our Association will complete 50 years of glorious existence on 12th September,2014. We have arranged a Get-Together of Officers and Executives at Birla Matushree Sabhagar, 19 Marine Lines, Mumbai, on Friday 12th September,2014 from 7.00 pm onwards to celebrate this historic Golden Jubilee of our Association. You are requested to attend this  Get-Together and join us for dinner thereafter.
With greetings,        
     
                                                                 Yours sincerely,

                                                                  (K.K.NAIR)
GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO. 19  OF 2014      9th August 2014

Dear Members,

Re: Scheme for Compassionate Appointment – Government accords approval.
-------o0o-------
You are aware that the Scheme of Compassionate Appointment in Public Sector Banks was unilaterally withdrawn by IBA a decade ago.  Since then, the workmen Unions and Officers’ Associations in the banking industry, under the umbrella forum of United Forum of Bank Unions have been demanding for restoration of Scheme of Compassionate Appointment. 
UFBU even included this issue of restoration of Scheme of Compassionate Appointment as one of the prime demand in the earlier wage revisions.  The issue was persistently followed up with IBA and Government and the decision of the Government on restoration of the Compassionate Appointment Scheme was hanging in suspension for considerably a long time.  Meanwhile, Payment of Ex-gratia Lumpsum Amount in lieu of Compassionate Appointment has been introduced in various Banks without any uniformity.
The issue was again taken up by UFBU with the IBA in the ongoing negotiations on the 10th Bipartite Wage Settlement.  After prolonged discussions, IBA agreed to forward its recommendations to the Government for restoration of Compassionate Appointment Scheme on the lines at par with scheme available to Central Government employees in modification of its earlier recommendations for payment of ex-gratia lumpsum amount.
We are glad to inform all the members that Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services, vide its communication to IBA dated 07.08.2014, has accorded its approval for Scheme of Compassionate Appointment, effective from 05.08.2014, as per details below:
i) To open the Compassionate Appointment in PSBs on the lines of Central Government;
ii) Discontinuing the provision of ex-gratia in lieu of Compassionate Appointment in PSBs
Further, the Government has advised IBA to take appropriate action to circulate the scheme of Compassionate Appointments to all Public Sector Banks for adoption with the approval of their respective boards.
 
We take this opportunity to thank the Hon’ble Minister of Finance, the officials of Department of Financial Services, Government of India and all the members in the Negotiating Committee of IBA for restoration of Scheme of Compassionate Appointments in the PSBs on the lines of Central Government, which will go a long way in providing succor to the aggrieved family members of deceased bank employees. 
We convey our heartiest congratulations and appreciate the entire membership, for its unstinted support and great display of unity that resulted in this remarkable achievement of our long pending demand.  Comrades, let this feat be the encouraging factor for furthering our unity, which would undoubtedly lead us towards more achievements in the days to come including a respectable wage revision.
With greetings,

           Yours sincerely,
             (K.K.NAIR)
             GENERAL SECRETARY




PREM MAKKER

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.18 OF 2014       16th July 2014  

Dear Members,

Re: UFBU Meeting

Further to our circular No.17 of 2014 dated 15th July, 2014 we reproduce hereunder the text of a circular issued by UFBU detailing the deliberations that took place in the meting of United Forum of Bank Unions held in Mumbai on 15th July 2014:
“The representatives of Constituent Unions of UFBU met on 15th July 2014 at Mumbai, subsequent to the submission of Memorandum to the Hon’ble Minister of Finance on 27th June 2014, to discuss and decide on the strategies to be adopted for early conclusion of wage settlement.

The meeting observed a minute’s silence as a mark of tribute and paid homage to Shri Ajay Sehgal, Chief Manager of Punjab National Bank, who committed suicide by jumping in front of a train due to the humiliation and constant harassment of his senior officials.  The meeting also passed a unanimous resolution condemning the humiliation and harassment meted out to Shri Ajay Sehgal that has resulted in his untimely death and irreparable loss to his family members.

Thereafter, it was deliberated at length on the future course of action and strategies to be adopted for expeditious wage settlement.  
The meeting expressed its unhappiness on the silence of IBA despite a lapse of more than a month since last meeting on wage negotiations and noted with concern the lackadaisical attitude of IBA in not conducting the meetings on wage negotiations regularly. 
The representatives of constituent unions extensively discussed on all the major issues concerning wage revision such as wage components, method of arriving at the cost and other issues such as Five-day banking, regulated working hours for officers, Health Insurance, improvements in pension/family pension schemes, etc. and unanimously decided to approach IBA with a consensus view on all the issues.  

Subsequent to the meeting with Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of India by the delegation of UFBU on 27th June 2014, keeping in view the pre-occupation of the Government on account of parliament session, submission of budget and requirement of reasonable and sufficient time to examine our issues, the representatives of constituent unions felt that UFBU shall approach the Government once again for its intervention in the matter for early wage settlement.


The meeting also deliberated upon the reforms in the banking industry, more particularly arising out of recommendations of P J Nayak Committee, such as reduction in Government share holding, merger of banks, etc. and decided to consolidate views and express concerns to the Government and decide further course of action thereafter.

The meeting unanimously decided as under:

(i)To send a communication to IBA for conduct of Meeting on wage negotiations immediately without any further delay and also for conduct of such meetings at frequent intervals;

(ii)To approach Government once again seeking intervention of Hon’ble Minister of Finance towards expeditious wage settlement;
Comrades, the impediments in wage negotiations are known but nothing can stop us from achieving a respectable wage revision.  

Let us march ahead with full determination and commitment to reach our goal.  Let us be in readiness always for further agitation programmes, if need be, including strike actions.” 
With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

 (K.K.NAIR)    

  GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIERCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES



CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.17 OF 2014                               15th July,2014

Dear Members,     

                     Re: (i) Inter-Zonal Retransfer Plan – 2014       

                          (ii)Promotions to various  Grades/Scales     

                            (iii)Meeting with IBA     

                            (iv)UFBU Meeting         

                                                    -------o0o-------
We are happy to inform that the Inter-Zonal  Retransfer Plan – 2014 has since been finalized. In terms of the Plan, the following categories of willing officers will be relieved on or before 26th July,2014:

(i) Inter-Zonal Transferee   officers   who  will be completing 3 years    of tenure as on 31st August,2014.    

 (ii)DROs  who  will  be  completing   5  years  of  tenure  as  on  31st     August,2014.


As substitutes for officers under Retransfer Plan, Bank will :(i) effect   Inter- Zonal transfer  of   officers   in    MM    G/S:II   and    G/S :III  on  the basis of longest stay in officers cadre in the Zone            as per Transfer Policy.(ii)fill  up    the  gap  in   JM  G/S:I  by  recruitment of DROs/Baroda      Manipal  School of Banking officers.

Residual issues involving transfers under compassionate ground, not-opting for retransfer in the previous years under compelling reasons, exempting officers undergoing rural service etc. will be taken up by us  in due course.  
Promotions to various Grades/Scales

Our Bank has since completed a mammoth exercise for promotions to various grades/scales. Details of promotions upto scale:IV are given below:

Grade/Scale        Number
I                             574

II                           443

III                          331

IV                          410

Our Hearty Congratulations to each one of the promotees and Best Wishes for their career progression.

The Bank has also decided consequent placements as under :(i) clerks   promoted   to   officers cadre in JM G/S:I will be retained      in the Zone as per the Transfer Policy in vogue.(ii)officers promoted to MM G/S:II and MM G/S:III will be retained in    the  same  Zone,  if it happens to  be  in  deficit. Other promotees     to the above grades/scales will be transferred to deficit  zones as    per the Inter-Zonal Retransfer and Transfer Plan - 2014.(iii)officers promoted to MM G/S:II against  undertaking to complete    rural service will be deployed in rural centres.


Meeting with IBA on  Charter of Demands – Disciplinary Rules/Procedures for Officer Employees

A meeting of the Three Member Committee constituted by Indian Banks Association to look into the issue of Disciplinary Rules/ Procedures for officer employees, as demanded by us in our Charter of Demands, was held  with IBA on Monday, 14th July,2014. We urged upon IBA the need for a thorough review of the existing Rules & Procedures. We insisted on the necessity to put an end to the prevailing undue delay in  commencement  and conclusion of the disciplinary cases, quantum of punishment imposed disproportionate to the offence committed, undue delay in lifting suspension, enhancing subsistence allowance payable on suspension, denial of certain facilities to officers on suspension, revoking Reg:20(3)(3) and not permitting the officer to retire, denying his rightful entitlements viz. gratuity, pension, leave encashment etc.

The IBA Team heard our submissions carefully and meaningful discussions followed. They wanted us to quote  various issues raised with illustrations and submit a detailed Note to them for the consideration of the Managing Committee of IBA. We shall do so immediately. During the course of the meeting, we also impressed upon  IBA the need to discuss our long pending demand of Regulatory Working Hours for bank officers. IBA desired an Approach Paper on this issue. We shall be submitting the same shortly. 
UFBU Meeting

We also wish to inform that a meeting of the United Forum of Bank Unions was held in Mumbai on 15th July,2014, to review the developments on  Wage Revision Negotiations and chalk out strategies to secure early and better  Wage Revision. Details will follow.

KK NAIR

GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR NO. 16 OF 2014

27tnJ une 2014

Re:W age Revision - Discussions with Shri Arun Jaitley,Hon'ble FinanceM inister, Govt.o f India,N ew Delhi.

-o0o-----

Please refer to our   ircular No.1 5 of 2014 d ated 14th June 2014 reporting to you the discussions  UFBU had with IBA on 13thJ une 2014 on Wage Revision for Bank Employees. As you would r ecall, in  the said meeting  IB A offered,  lmost on a'Take it or Leave it' basis , nly 11%  increase as againstU FBU's demand  o f 25%  increase in pay slip components.

ln thisb ackground, UFBU decided to approach H on'ble Finance Minister, Govt.o f India, seeking his intervention. We are happy to inform that today  a  delegation of UFBU m et Shri  A run Jaitley, Hon'bleF inance Minister, Govt. of India, New D elhi and  h ad fruitful discussions with h im. We also  h anded over a Memorandum to the Hon'ble Finance Minister. The Hon'ble Finance Minister assured us that  he will get the issues examined by the Ministry and revert to us. A copy of the said Memorandum submitted to Hon'ble Finance Minister is annexed herewith for your information.

With greetings,

KK NAIR

GENERAL SECRETARY

ANNEXURE    I.E.   MEMORANDUM PASTED IN PHOTO GALLERY FOR THE TIME BEING









 CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.15 OF 2014                                         14th June,2014  

Dear Members,    

                   Re: Meeting with IBA on Charter of Demands on 13th June,2014                                                            

-------o0o-------  

 We wish to inform that Bilateral discussions between IBA and UFBU was held on 13th June,2014, in Mumbai. In this meeting IBA improved its last offer of 10% to 11% of  pay slip cost. UFBU rejected the revised offer made by IBA and demanded 25% increase in pay slip components. IBA, however expressed its TOTAL INABILITY to accept this demand. Text of the Circular issued by Convenor, UFBU, is reproduced below for your information:  

“After the last round of negotiations held on 14-3-2014, another round of discussions took place with IBA on 13-6-2014 in Mumbai in the background of the new Government taking over at the Centre after the general elections.  UFBU meeting:  Prior to the discussions with the IBA, meeting of the UFBU was held.   The meeting observed a minutes’ silence to pay homage on the death of Dr Shanti Patel, veteran trade union leader of HMS and Port and Dock Workers. The meeting took stock of the developments since our last meeting held in March, 2014.  The meeting welcomed the new Government under the Prime Ministership of Shri Narendra Modi and hoped that the basic problems of the people and workers would be addressed by the new Government.  The meeting noted that in addition to the pending demands of UFBU for wage revision, there are other challenges too like the recommendations of P J Nayak Committee, talks of dilution of Government’s capital in Banks, merger of Banks, etc.  The meeting decided to take a delegation of UFBU to the Finance Minister to apprise him of our issues and demands.    

Discussions with IBA :  In the wage revision talks, the IBA was represented by Mr. T M Bhasin, Chairman of the Negotiating Committee along with other members.  UFBU was represented by all the Constituent Unions.    Opening up the discussions, Mr. Bhasin explained the present banking scenario where the profits of the Banks have come down as on 31-3-2014 adding to the constraints of the Banks to take up any huge financial burden in the form of wages.  After submissions from UFBU, IBA informed that they are willing to improve their offer from earlier 10%  to 11% on the cost of Pay Slip components of the wage bill which would amount to Rs.3,465 crores and which would be exclusive of other costs on retirement benefits, LFC, hospitalization expenses, etc.   From UFBU we expressed our inability to accept this offer as the same was quite inadequate.     2 As regards other issues discussed with the IBA in the last two rounds of discussions, IBA informed that they are favourably inclined to consider the demand of extending 100% DA for all pensioners and the same is awaiting the approval of the Government.  On our demand for improvement in Family Pension, IBA’s response was positive but they informed that the cost implication has to be properly worked out and Government’s approval is necessary for the same. As regards updation of pension, IBA was apprehensive about the same since it involves substantial financial burden to the Banks.   IBA also informed that our demand for extending appointment on compassionate grounds in the Banks on the lines of Government scheme is under the active and positive consideration of the Government and their decision is awaited.  Since UFBU refused to accept the IBA’s offer of 11% increase, IBA wanted to know the expectation of the UFBU for which it was informed that our minimum expectation is 25% increase in the Pay Slip components cost.  IBA expressed their total inability to accept the same as it is beyond the paying capacity of the Banks.   With this, the talks ended inconclusively.  Thereafter UFBU decided that since IBA has not come up with any adequate increase in their offer, further course of action would be taken shortly after mutual consultations amongst the Constituent Unions and also after meeting the Finance Minister in this regard.  Further developments would be informed to units in due course.”

 With greetings,  

                            (K.K.NAIR)  

               GENERAL SECRETARY   

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES             

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.14 OF 2014                                        10th June, 2014

Dear Members,

                           Re: Furniture & Fixtures Scheme – Stands Revised  

                                                          -------o0o-------         

We are happy to inform that the Bank has now agreed to our long pending demand to revise the Scheme for Furniture & Fixtures to officers in Grade/Scale:I, II & III. Highlights of the revised Scheme are as under:

LIMIT:

ELIGIBILITY:

• Confirmed officers residing in own house/apartment/Bank’s owned accommodation/leased accommodation will be eligible under the Scheme. Officers who are on probation and have already availed under the earlier Scheme will be eligible to avail the balance amount under the revised Scheme, on confirmation.

• If an officer has already purchased furniture/fixtures/other items under the existing Scheme, he/she shall be eligible to avail the balance amount of entitlement under the revised Scheme.

• The provision under the existing Scheme that an officer, on promotion to G/S:IV, must compulsorily purchase the items, has been dispensed with. He/she will automatically switch over to the Scheme available for Executives in G/S:IV and above and will be eligible for purchase of furniture for the balance amount as per entitlement under SM G/S:IV.

OTHER DETAILS:     

• On transfer to another place, the officer shall carry the furniture/fixtures/other items purchased under the Scheme, with him/her to the new place of posting, within the eligibility of transportation of household goods.

• At the end of 10 years from the date/s of purchase of furniture/ fixtures and other items, the officer will compulsorily buy the items from the Bank at 4% of the cost of the furniture items purchased under the Scheme.

• The officer will be eligible to purchase furniture, fixtures and other items, if he/she so desires, once again as per entitlement, for a maximum of three times during the entire service period in the Bank.

• Insurance for the items purchased under the Scheme will be taken by the Bank every year.

• In case where both Husband and Wife are employees of the Bank, both of them can avail the facility, in case they opt for the same.

• 0.25% of the pay in the first stage of the scale of pay, in which the officer is placed will be recovered from the salary towards the rent whether the facility is  availed in full or in part.

• In case of all IBOs/IBTOs, the Scheme shall not be applicable to them during the period they are posted abroad. However, if an officer has already availed the Scheme prior to his overseas posting, he/she will be entitled to purchase  new items, in lieu of the items which get more than ten years old, upon repatriation and posting in India.

• In the unfortunate event of death of an Officer while in service, the family can buy the furniture/fixture/other items availed by the officer under the Scheme at Rs.1000/-.

• On retirement or voluntary retirement, the officer may purchase the furniture items at certain  cost of the purchase  value or WDV, whichever is lower at the following rates:

• Officer will be eligible for annual reimbursement of maintenance expenses equivalent to 5% of the total value of furniture & fixture allowed after three years of the purchase of each item on declaration basis. However, no repairs to the furniture and fixtures will be undertaken by the Bank.

We thank the Management for revising the Scheme of Furniture & Fixtures to officers in Grade/Scale:I to III.

With greetings,

                                                                                             Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                 (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                       GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.13 OF 2014                                     9^th June 2014

Dear Members,

“Long Years ago, we made a tryst with destiny……”

                                                       Jawaharlal Nehru

Our Bank has put in place a Revised Performance Linked Incentive Scheme for employees, happily with a retrospective effect. Accounts of recipients of Incentives for the year 2012-13 were credited on 31^st May 2014. We are extremely thankful to Shri S.S.Mundra, Chairman & Managing Director of our Bank and the Top Management for giving a good beginning to the cherished desire of every employee for “Inclusive Growth”. Tryst with destiny made by us long ago now stands accomplished though not in full measure. We shall redeem our pledge to attain an all Inclusive Scheme.

In this regard we recall the strenuous persuasive efforts we have put in, discussions that we had with the Bank in Structured Meetings, Resolutions passed in the meetings of Central Committee and Zonal Secretaries and finally the Agitation and Action Programmes we were forced to plunge into to secure, for employees, a share in the huge profit they make for the Bank  year after year. Our slogan “One who bakes the cake must also get a share in the cake which he bakes” became the most enthusiastically repeated slogan raised during the course of Agitation and General meetings of officers. Friends, you all have played an excellent role in making the agitation and various programmes successful which paved the way for this achievement.

In this context we have come across certain deficiencies that have crept into the guidelines issued by the Bank for implementation of the Scheme. We are concerned with such deficiencies and we have taken up these with the Chairman & Managing Director for rectification. We have also urged upon the Chairman & Managing Director to formulate the Scheme for 2013-14 based on Bilateral discussions to avoid repetition of such deficiencies. We are awaiting favourable response from the Bank.

With greetings,

                                                                                             Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                 (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                      GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.12 OF 2014                                         15th April, 2014

Dear Members,

                           Re: 1. Establishment of our First Guest House

                                  2. Structured Meeting with the Bank                          

                                                               -------o0o-------    

We are extremely happy to inform that our Association has established its own Guest House at Daman(Union Territory) synchronizing with its Golden Jubilee Celebrations on 14^th April,2014. Relevant details are as under:

Location:

Daman is a Union Territory located 193 kms north of Mumbai and 12 kms from Vapi, the Industrial Town of South Gujarat. Daman is well connected with other parts of India primarily through NH-8. The neighbouring city Vapi is connected with the Indian Rail net work through Western Railway. It is 117 kms away from Surat Railway Station and 121 kms from Surat Airport.

Address:

Booking:

Members who wish to book a room in the Guest House are required to fill up the prescribed form, as per proforma shown overleaf (a soft copy of which is available with the respective Zonal Secretary) and forward to our  office at 3, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Ballard Pier, Mumbai: 400 001.Phone No: 022- 22612058 &  22618484(fax), E-mail : aiboboa@rediffmail.com, aiboboa1964@gmail.com, aiboboa@yahoo.com.

Rent:

Rs.250/- per room for one officer and his family. In case of a single officer, the room will not be allowed to be shared by any other officer/s other than the family members. Rent once remitted  will not be refunded in case of cancellation of the booking by the officer. The decision regarding the allotment of the room as per availability,  taken by the Controlling Office, will be  final.

Remittance of Rent:

The rent should be remitted to SB Account No:25580100010196 : All India BOB Officers’ Association- Daman Guest House A/c at SSI  Daman branch.

Facilities/amenities Provided:

There are three  rooms in the Guest House with one double bed which can be used by two persons and extra bed for one person is also available on request which is not chargeable. Tea/Coffee will be provided at the Holiday Home by the Care Taker on payment. Food and beverages will be available by order over phone  from the nearby hotel on payment.

All our members are requested to avail this facility to have break from the rigors of work.

Structured Meeting with the Bank

A Structured Meeting between the representatives  of the Management of our Bank and our Association was held at  Baroda Corporate Centre, Mumbai today. Details will be circularized shortly.

With greetings,

                                                                                       Yours sincerely,

                                                                                          (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                GENERAL SECRETARY 

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

APPLICATION TO RESERVE ROOM AT THE GUEST HOUSE IN DAMAN

To:

The General Secretary

All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association

c/o Bank of Baroda,3 Walchand Hirachand Marg,

Ballard Pier, MUMBAI: 400 001

Dear Sir,

     RE: Reservation of Association’s Guest House at DAMAN

I desire to reserve the Association’s Guest House at DAMAN for any one of the following duration:

I may also state that the following members of my family will also accompany me during my visit to the above Guest House:

                                                                                          Yours faithfully,                                                                                                      (Signature)

_________________________________________________________________________

TO BE FILLED IN BY THE CONCERNED ZONAL SECREARY OF THE ZONE

We confirm that Shri ____________________is a member of All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association.

                                                                            _______________________

                                                                         (Signature of Zonal Secretary)

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.11 OF 201                                                15^th March 2014

Dear Members,

Re: Meeting with IBA on Charter of Demands on 14.03.2014

-------o0o-------

Further to our circular No.10 dated 10^th March 2014 we wish to inform that a meeting with the Core Group of IBA was held in Mumbai on 14^th March 2014. We reproduce hereunder the text of a circular issued by the Convenor of UFBU giving details of deliberations we had, for your information:

“In our Circular No. 20 dated 3^rd March 2014, we had informed about the details of the discussions held with the IBA on that day.  Another round of discussions were held today in IBA office, Mumbai between IBA and UFBU.  IBA’s team was led by Mr R.K.Dubey (CMD, Canara Bank), Chairman of the IBA’s Core Committee, Mr M.V.Tanksale, Chief Executive, IBA and other Executives.  UFBU was represented by leaders of all our constituent unions.

Carrying forward the discussions held in the last round of talks, some of the important issues like introduction of 5 Day Banking, regulated working hours for officers, etc. were discussed further.  While appreciating our viewpoints, IBA wanted further inputs from the Unions in order to examine the issues and to take up the matter with higher authorities.  We stressed on the need for providing quarters/ housing accommodation to all employees, particularly to those recruited in the Banks in the recent years.  IBA opined that the matter needs further discussion at their level.  We also demanded that 100% of the medical/hospitalisation expenses incurred by the employees and officers for self/family members should be reimbursed. IBA suggested that the mediclaim scheme proposed by them earlier can be customized in such a way to be handled by the Banks instead of insurance companies or third party administrators.  We requested the IBA to furnish details in this regard whereafter the issue will be further studied and discussed.   

On our demand for improvement in the Family Pension scheme, extension of 100% DA formula to pre-2002 pensioners, etc., IBA was considerate and agreed to work out the cost implications to enable them to take a view on these demands.  To our demand on periodical updation of pension on occasions of wage revision, IBA felt that the issue has to be examined, in its entirety, looking at the cost involved, outflow, etc. On reverting to old pension scheme from NPS, IBA expressed their inability to accede to our demand but we reiterated the same.

To our demand regarding compassionate appointment scheme, IBA conveyed the clarifications sought from the Government to which we explained that UFBU’s view is that the compassionate appointment scheme should be on the lines of the Government scheme and urged upon them to expedite the matter.

To our demand for improvement in the IBA’s earlier offer on wage increase, IBA informed that they are not able to make further offer.

It was decided to hold the next round of discussions in the middle of April, 2014 and the date would be finalized.  Further developments will be informed to all our units/members in due course.”

With greetings,

                                                                Yours sincerely,

                                                                  (K.K.NAIR)

                                                           GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.10 OF 2014                                         10th March,2014

Dear Members,

                           Re: 1. Meeting with IBA on Charter of Demands on 14.3.2014

                                  2. Association launches Ladies’ Wing

                                  3. Celebration of International Women’s Day

                                                           -------o0o-------          

A meeting of the Core Group of IBA with representatives of UFBU has been scheduled on 14^th March,2014 to discuss charter of demands. We shall report the developments after the meeting.

Association launches Ladies Wing

As a part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, our Association launched a Ladies’ Wing on 23^rd February,2014. A large number of lady officers from  various Zones participated in the two days Conference held at Mumbai on 23^rd & 24^th February,2014.

Shri V.J.Sheladia, President of Association, presided over the two days’ Conference. After welcome address by Shri D.M.Suvarna, Zonal Secretary, Greater Mumbai Zone and introductory address by the undersigned, our Bank’s Chairman & Managing Director Shri S.S. Mundra launched  the Ladies Wing by lighting the traditional lamp. “The number of ladies taking up employment  in the Banking industry, particularly in our Bank, is increasing year by year and formation of the Ladies’ Wing for the Officer employees in the Bank is most appropriate and commendable”, stated our Bank’s Chairman & Managing Director during his inaugural address. Shri Mundra, on this occasion called upon lady officers to prepare themselves to shoulder higher responsibilities in the Bank through sincere and dedicated service. Smt.Vindhya Ramesh, General Manager(HRM), felicitated the gathering. Smt.Ashwini Kulkarni proposed Vote of Thanks.

After the inaugural session, Dr.Sujata Chavan, Asstt.Professor, Advance Centre for Women Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences(TISS), Mumbai, made a presentation on the topic “Working Women – Family vs Career”, followed by a very interesting interactions by delegates. In the second session that followed after lunch, dealt with “Laws relating to Working Women” by Miss Masuma Merchant, LLM, Practising Advocate, Lecturer in Advani Law College, New Law College & Rizvi Law College, Mumbai. In the interesting discussions that took place thereafter, delegates could get clarifications and interpretations on certain legal aspects.

On 24th February,2014, the second day, Smt.Vijaya Srinivasan, Deputy Director, Ambekar Institute for Labour Studies, Mumbai discussed with the delegates “Role of Working Women in the Society – Present & Future”. Smt.Vijayalakshmi Nair, MA in Globalization & Labour, Tata Institute of Social Sciences(TISS), Mumbai  and a prominent Trade Union  leader from  Banking  sector    addressed  the    members   on “ Problems faced by Lady Officers in Banks – Need to ensure safety & Work life balance”.

In the concluding session on 24^th February,2014, Smt Vindhya Ramesh, General Manager(HRM), gave her Valedictory Address. Adopting a unique “Dialogue” method Smt. Vindhya Ramesh brought out a series of issues connected with ladies, more particularly, lady officers in the Bank. Every lady officer present in the Conference appreciated the address with repeated applauds. The Conference elected Smt. Ashwini Kulkarni as the All India Chief Convenor of the Ladies’ Wing in our Association. The two days  Conference concluded with a Vote of Thanks by one of the participants.

Celebration of International Women’s Day

We are happy to inform that Ladies’ Wing in our Association, across the Zones, celebrated International Women’s Day on 8^th March,2014. Reports reaching us from various Zones confirm that the event was celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and in a befitting manner. Please await detailed circular from the respective Zonal Secretaries.

With greetings,

                                                                                                       Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                          (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                GENERAL SECRETARY           

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.9 OF 2014                                              3^rd March,2014

Dear Members,

                           Re: 1. Promotion Exercise -2014-15

                                  2. Wage Revision – Discussions with IBA

                                                        -------o0o-------             

We refer to our Circular No:7 dated 14^th February,2014,on the above subject and wish  to inform that our Bank has agreed to relax the Service Eligibility criteria for Merit Channel promotions from Scale:II to III as also Scale:I to II by 3 months.

This revised decision of the Management will put an end to the feeling of discrimination and violation of Promotion Policy causing  a sense of frustration and demoralization in the rank of officers aspiring for promotions.

We take this opportunity to convey our Best Wishes to all the candidates participating in the promotion exercises.

Wage Revision – Discussions with IBA

IBA held another meeting today with UFBU on Wage Revision. Besides demanding adequate increase in wages, UFBU raised other issues like 5 day week, regulatory working hours,  improvement in pension scheme including reverting to old pension scheme in place of New Pension Scheme etc. Text of the Circular issued by Convenor, UFBU, is reproduced below for your information:

“As informed in our earlier Circular No. 20 dated 19-02-2014, another round of negotiations on our wage revision demands was held in Mumbai today between UFBU and IBA.  IBA’s team was led by its Negotiating Committee Chairman Mr. T M Bhasin while UFBU was represented by all the constituent unions. 

Opening up the discussions, Mr Bhasin said that looking to the present performance and earnings of the Banks and the financial constraints faced by the Banks, it would not be possible for them to further improve their earlier offer of 10% increase over the cost of payslip components.  From UFBU we stoutly contested their contention and pointed out that Banks have adequate profitability and hence the offer of IBA needs to be substantially increased upwards as their offer of 10% is totally unacceptable to the Unions and already rejected as inadequate. We also drew their attention to the wage accords reached recently in few other sectors as well as the Government’s mind as reflected in their reference to the 7^th Pay Commission. 

The IBA stated that they would be able to negotiate further on our demands or improve their offer only if the UFBU would specify its expectations or if any counter offer is given by the UFBU in response to their offer of 10%.  From the side of UFBU, we explained that our expectations or counter offer can be spelt out only if we know the response of the IBA to the various important issues raised by the UFBU viz. introduction of 5 Days Banking, defined working hours for officers, improvements in pension scheme like periodical updation, uniform DA rate for all pensioners, revision in Family Pension formula, switching over from New Pension Scheme to Defined Benefit pension scheme for the new recruits from 2010, 100% reimbursement of entire hospitalisation expenses of the employees/ officers/ family members, housing facilities for all employees and officers, etc. 

The IBA informed us that they would be able to react or respond only after all these issues are discussed by them internally and also in consultation with the Finance Ministry whom they would be meeting on the 5^th instant.  Hence IBA stated that they would come back to us on these issues in the next round of meeting which they would be convening shortly.  We have suggested that the next round of meeting should be held within the next 7/10 days to which IBA has agreed.

During today’s meeting, we also urged upon the IBA to expedite the compassionate appointment scheme and IBA informed us that they are very much seized of the issue and would endeavor to speed up the issue with the Government.

Comrades, it would be seen that the negotiations are entering the crucial stage and hence it is very much necessary to maintain our unity, cohesion and preparedness to respond to the call of the UFBU as may be warranted.”

With greetings,

                                                                                                      Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                 (K.K.NAIR)  

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.8 OF 2014                                     19^th Feburuary,2014

Dear Members,

                           Re: UFBU Meeting held in Mumbai on 19^th February,2014

-------o0o-------

Further to our Circular No:7 dated 14^th February,2014, we wish to inform that, as scheduled, the meeting of UFBU was held in Mumbai on 19^th February,2014. The meeting reviewed the impact of two days strike on 10^th & 11^th February, 2014 and decided to chalk out further course of action based on the out-come of the proposed meeting with IBA on 3^rd March,2014. The text of the Circular issued by Convenor, UFBU, is reproduced hereunder for your information:

“The representatives of the constituent Unions of UFBU met today at Mumbai to review the situation subsequent to the historic success of 48 Hours’ All India Bank Strike from 6.00 a.m. on 10.02.2014 to 6.00 a.m. on 12.02.2014 and also to decide on future course of action for expediting the wage revision at the earliest.

All the representatives have expressed in one voice that the two days’ strike was responded massively by the bankmen all over the country and placed on record their highest appreciation and congratulated the entire membership of UFBU for the historic success.  Quoting the massive participation of bank employees and officers in the demonstrations, rallies and processions held all over the country as part of agitation programmes on the strike days, the representatives expressed that the total participation has clearly displayed the frustration in the minds of employees on the undue delay in the wage negotiations despite the fact that UFBU is making all out efforts for a respectable and reasonable wage settlement consciously keeping in mind even the affordability of banks while making attempts to ensure adequate wages to the bank employees and officers considering the wages in comparable sectors and also the financial burden on the bank employees on account of uncontrolled spiraling cost of inflation. 

The meeting took serious note of remarks of Shri P. Chidambaram, Hon’ble Finance Minister that ‘profits of banks are not for wages of employees alone’ without giving any congnizance to the just reasonable demand of employees for their due and legitimate share particularly when banks are making good profits.  The meeting further observed that the remarks of Finance Minister as fallacious, as it has been made by consciously ignoring the fact that Public Sector Banks have netted a huge profit of about Rs.46,000 Crores during the last fiscal even after providing about Rs.65,000 Crores towards writing off of bad loans and provisioning for Non-performing Assets.

The meeting deliberated at length on the strategies to be adopted on all the areas relating to the formulation of Scales of Pay duly considering the various cost factors such as fixed cost, variable cost and so on towards clinching a reasonable wage revision.

The meeting also discussed in detail on the future action programmes and with the hope that the historic success of Two days’ All India Bank Strike might serve as an eye-opener to IBA-Government combine towards amicable settlement, it was unanimously decided to chalk out further course of action based on the outcome of meeting with IBA, which is scheduled for  3^rd March 2014.

Comrades – we are still on war path and there will be no backward movement in our agitation programmes if no significant improvement is made by IBA in the bilateral discussions scheduled for 3^rd March 2014.  Hence, we request all our constituent unions and members to be in readiness for further agitational actions, including prolonged strike programmes, if need be.

We once again wholeheartedly congratulate the entire membership for the historic success of 2 days’ All India Bank Strike on 10^th & 11^th February 2014 and request the rank and file of members to continue to display their solidarity and total support for achieving success in our entire endeavor.”

With greetings,

                                                                                                       Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                          (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                GENERAL SECRETARY           

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.7 OF 2014                                     14^th Feburuary,2014

Dear Members,

                           Re: (i) Promotion Exercise – 2014-2015

                                  (ii)Launching of Ladies Wing –

                                      Conference of Lady Officers

                                 (ii)Next Meeting of UFBU

                                                       -------o0o-------

We are happy to state that our Bank has commenced the Exercise for promotions to Middle Management Grade/Scales II & III and Senior Management Grade/Scale:IV – 2014-15. Major Highlights are :

1. Vacancy        

2. Cut-off date

The cut-off date for reckoning Eligibility will be 01.04.2014.

3. Submission of Applications

Submission  of   applications    will   begin on  17^th February,2014  and  end  at  8.00  p.m  on  1^st March,2014 for promotions to MM/S:II & III. For promotion to SM G/S:IV, it will begin on 24^th February,2014 and end at 8.00 p.m on 8th March,2014.

4. Written Test

Written test will be conducted ‘on line’ on Sunday, 27^th April,2014, for promotions to MM G/S:II & III. Computer Literacy Test for promotion to SM G/S:IV will be held on Saturday,3^rd May,2014.

For further details of the above Exercises, you are requested to refer our Bank’s Circulars No:BCC:BR:100/52, 53 & 54 dated 14^th February,2014.

We take this opportunity to convey our Best Wishes to every candidate participating in the promotion exercises.

Launching of Ladies Wing -

Conference of Lady Officers

We wish to inform that a two days Conference of Lady Officers of our Bank will be held in Mumbai on 23^rd & 24^th February,2014, for launching Ladies Wing in our Association. The Conference will be inaugurated by our Bank’s Chairman & Managing Director, Shri S.S.Mundra at 10.00 a.m on 23^rd February,2014. The concluding session will begin at 3.00 p.m on 24^th February,2014 with an address by our Bank’s General Manager(HRM), Smt. Vindhya V Ramesh.

Next Meeting of United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU)

Next Meeting of UFBU will be held in Mumbai on 19^th February,2014. The meeting shall discuss:

(i)    the  impact of two days All India Bank Strike held on 10^th & 11^thFebruary,2014 &

(ii)  to decide the future course of action.

We shall communicate the decision soon after the meeting.

With greetings,

                                                                                                       Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                          (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                GENERAL SECRETARY           

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.6 OF 2014                                      12^th February 2014

Dear Members,

Re: 48 HOURS BANK STRIKE – GRAND SUCCESS

-------o0o-------

The 48 Hours all India Bank Strike called by UFBU has been a grand success. We are happy to report that Bank Employees, both workmen and officers, working in all PSBs and RRBs across the country participated in the strike making it a total success.

The text of a circular issued by Convenor of UFBU, after the strike, is reproduced hereunder for your information:

“Congratulations Comrade – we are elated to note the unprecedented success of the ‘Two Days’ All India Bank ‘Strike’ on 10^th and 11^th February 2014 for which call was given by the UFBU.  We congratulate all the members all over the country for their enthusiastic participation in various programmes conducted in this regard at different centres and making the programmes a grand success.

          We are receiving reports from the organizers on the programmes / rallies held throughout the country and their total success.  It is also observed that the participation of the members was not mere enthusiastic presence but their overwhelming emotion depicting the frustration and anger for the denial of reasonable and rightful wage increase.

          We once again reiterate that the intention of the UFBU is neither to cause inconvenience to the customers nor loss to the country’s economy.  The strike could have been avoided, but for the recalcitrant attitude of the IBA and Government combine in not coming forward with an improved offer paving the way for a respectable and reasonable wage revision.  We do appreciate the stress on the balance sheet and the constraints on the IBA but at the same time, what is being demanded is not unreasonable and difficult to consider.  The responsibility and the duty of the employees and officers towards ensuring growth in business, productivity and generating increased gross income has been fully discharged.  The fact is fully evidenced by double the growth in net profits of Banks despite appropriation of more than 60% of the income generated towards writing off and provision for NPAs. 

More so, the UFBU is not demanding the entire profit to be distributed amongst employees as wages but with the due share in order to ensure reasonable standard of living to Bank employees equivalent to the comparables and also to cope up with the uncontrolled spiraling cost of inflation, which is making the life of common man miserable.

          The efforts made by the UFBU in the conciliation meeting held by Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) in New Delhi on 6^th February 2014 have not evoked any positive response, which resulted in Two Days’ strike as inevitable.

The two days’ strike is only a warming up exercise which should send strong signals to Government / IBA that the Bank employees will not be silent spectators if the Government is adamant in its attitude in implementing the reforms and the IBA / Government combine ignore the just reasonable aspirations of the Bank employees.

          UFBU is aware of the aspirations and expectations of the employees.  All efforts would be made to achieve the improvements with a balanced approach.  In the meantime, we urge all our members not to give scope for rumours and its circulation that are aimed to vitiate the atmosphere.  At this crucial juncture, we should not give any scope to the vested interests to develop vedge in the unity of Bank employees.

          We whole-heartedly thank the UFRRBU and also the employees / unions in the Co-operative Bank Sector for not only extending support but also observing the      two days’ strike in their respective Banks.  We sincerely thank the United Forum of Reserve Bank Officers and Employees, AIIEA and all the other trade unions for extending their fraternal support to our cause.

          The UFBU will meet shortly to chalk out future course of action and further programmes.

          Comrades – March ahead – continue to display the solidarity and strength – Be ready to implement with vigour any action programmes decided by UFBU.  Let us march ahead with determination to achieve the goal.”

With greetings,

                                                                                                              Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                                (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                  GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.05 OF 2014                                   6^th February, 2014

Dear Members,

            Re:   Wage Revision –

                     Conciliation discussions  remain  inconclusive

                     Strike on 10th & 11^th February, 2014 stands.

                                 -------o0o-------

With regard to the above we wish to inform you that the Chief Labour Commissioner (C) Shri B.K. Sanwariya held  Conciliation proceedings in his office in New Delhi, today. It is a matter of serious concern that IBA could not come out with any improved offer in the meeting.   As a result conciliation remained inconclusive and UFBU decided to proceed with the strike of 10^th & 11^th February, 2014.   Minutes of the conciliation meeting is reproduced hereunder :

“Minutes of Conciliation Proceedings held on 06.02.2014 before Shri B.K. Sanwariya, CLC(C), New Delhi.

The representatives of the Indian Bank’s Association (IBA) submitted written  comments.  A copy of the same was given to the representatives of United Forum of Banks Unions (UFBU).  Prolonged discussions were held on the points submitted by the parties.

The representatives of  the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) stated that negotiating committee convened meeting on 17.01.2014 with the representatives of UFBU.  IBA enhanced  the offer from 5% on salary slip to 9.5% on the salary slip.  Again meeting was held on 27.01.2014 with the representatives of UFBU and an improved offer of 10% was made.  Representatives of the IBA requested that the next meeting with the representatives of UFBU can be made on 13.02.2014 and UFBU should not go on strike on 10^th & 11^Th February, 2014 but the demand for further increase beyond 10% can be settled during ensuing Bi-lateral meetings.

CLC(C) welcomed the views of the IBA and requested the representatives of UFBU to accept the offer for bi-lateral meetings.  CLC(C) also requested the representatives of IBA to arrange the bi-lateral meetings before 10^th & 11^th February, 2014.

CLC(C) further made appeal to the representatives of UFBU to withdraw  the proposed strike call on 10^th & 11^th February, 2014 and should come forward for bi-lateral meeting as proposed by the representatives of IBA.

The representatives of UFBU stated that 10% increase offered by the IBA is not acceptable and there should be further forward improvement in the offer, then only UFBU may reconsider the deferment of the proposed strike call.

The discussions remained inconclusive and next date of conciliation Proceedings will be fixed after hearing from the parties.”

Friends, let us go ahead with the strike action. Let us make 10^th & 11^th February strike a grand success.

With greetings,

                                                                                               Yours sincerely,

                                                                                        (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                           GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.4 OF 2014                                           27^th January 2014

Dear Members,

Re: IBA offers a meager increase of 0.5% -

      UFBU decides to go on 2 days’ Strike on 10^th & 11^th February  2014

                                               -------o0o-------

We regret to inform that in the meeting held today, IBA offered just 0.5% increase in wages i.e. from 9.50% to 10%. UFBU rejected this offer and decided to go on 2 days’ strike on 10^th & 11^th February 2014. Text of the Strike NOTICE served on IBA by the Convenor of UFBU is reproduced hereunder:-

“Further to our strike notice dated 31^st December, 2013 calling for two day’s strike on 20^th & 21^st January, 2014 followed by the conciliation meeting held by the CLC on 13^th January, 2014 and meeting with IBA on 17^th January, 2014, in which the improved offer of 9.5% made by you subject to further improvement the strike was deferred by UFBU to create a positive atmosphere for further negotiations. However in today’s meeting the meager improvement of 0.5% over the previous offer of 9.5% has disappointed us which was rejected instantaneously.

Hence, in accordance with the provisions contained in sub-section (1) of Section 22 of the I.D. Act – 1947, we hereby give you notice that the members of all the constituent unions of United Forum of Bank Unions ( AIBEA,  AIBOC,   NCBE,  AIBOA,   BEFI,   INBEF,  INBOC,  NOBW, NOBO)  propose to go on two days’ strike on the 10^th & 11^th February, 2014.  The strike will be observed for 48 hours from 6.00 a.m. on 10.02.2014 to 6.00 a.m. on 12.02.2014.”

Friends, as stated above, the revised offer of 10% in wages, is very meager as against our demand for 30% increase. Let us make the two days’ strike a thunderous success.

With greetings,

                                                                                                            Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                              (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                   GENERAL SECRETARY

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.3 OF 2014                                         17^th January 2014

Dear Members,

Re: Strike on 20^th & 21^st January,2014 stands deferred -

                             Indian Banks’ Association makes improved offer -

                             Next round of negotiations on 27^th January, 2014. 

-------o0o-------

Further to our Circular  No:2 of 2014 dated 14^th January,2014, we wish to inform that Bilateral discussions between IBA and UFBU was held in Mumbai today. In this meeting IBA improved its initial offer of 5% to 9.5% of pay slip cost. IBA also agreed to expedite negotiations and reach the Settlement by June,2014. IBA will hold the next round of discussions immediately on 27^th January,2014. In view of the above, UFBU has decided to defer the two days strike on 20^th & 21^st January,2014 and connected agitational programmes. Text of the Circular issued by Shri M.V.Murali, Convenor, UFBU  is reproduced hereunder:

“We had informed our unions and members, Vide our Circular No. 15 dated 13-1-2014, about the outcome of the proceedings of the conciliation meeting held in Delhi by the Chief Labour Commissioner on 13^th instant.  As agreed in the meeting, the IBA invited the UFBU for discussions and the bipartite talks were held today in Mumbai in the office of IBA.  IBA was represented by Mr T M Bhasin (CMD, Indian Bank) Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, Mr. M V Tanksale, Chief Executive of IBA and other CMDs/EDs who are members of the IBA’s negotiating team. UFBU was represented by the representatives of all the constituent unions.

During the discussions held today, after protracted negotiations, IBA finally agreed to improve their earlier initial offer of 5% on cost of Pay slip components (which amounted to Rs. 1575 crores ) to 9.5 % (amounting to around Rs. 3000 crores) which is exclusive of retirement benefits and other costs.  The IBA also reiterated that they would expedite the negotiations and conclude the Settlement by June, 2014.  IBA further informed that the next round of negotiations will be held on 27^th January, 2014.

From our side, while explaining the rationale behind our charter of demands, we pointed out that their offer needs to be further enhanced before we can reach any finality.  However, looking to their improved offer and assurance to expedite the settlement, it was decided to defer our agitational programmes and proposed strike action on 20^th and  21^st January, 2014. 

We congratulate all our unions and members all over the country for their enthusiastic preparation for the strike which has resulted in the above outcome.

Further developments will be informed to units after the next round of negotiations.  In the meantime, it is necessary to maintain our unity and preparedness which alone can guarantee accomplishment of our demands.”

With greetings,

                                                                                                       Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                          (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.2 OF 2014                             14^th January 2014

Dear Members,

Re: Bank Strike on 20^th and 21^st January 2014 –

      (i) Conciliation Meeting held on 13-01-2014

      (ii) Bilateral discussions to resume on 17-01-2014

                                    -------o0o-------

Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) Shri B.K.Sanwariya held conciliation proceedings between IBA and UFBU on 13-01-2014 at New Delhi. In the meeting IBA offered to resume Bilateral discussions with UFBU on 17-01-2014. CLC (C) welcoming the offer, appealed to UFBU to come forward for Bilateral discussions and call off/postpone the proposed strike. UFBU agreed for bilateral discussions and stated that it will decide on the proposed strike depending on the outcome of the meeting. The text of a circular issued by Shri M.V.Murali, Convenor, UFBU is reproduced hereunder for your information:-

“Subsequent to issuance of Notice by UFBU for 48 Hours’ All India Bank Strike on the 20^th and 21^st January 2014, the conciliation meeting was held today at New Delhi.  The proceedings were conducted by Shri B.K. Sanwariya, CLC(C).  The meeting was also attended by the officials from Department of Financial Services.  IBA was represented by Shri M.V. Tanksale, Chief Executive Officer, Shri K. Unnikrishnan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and other officials.

The leaders of UFBU argued that the meetings are being held with much delay and there is no seriousness on the part of IBA to conclude the bilateral discussions at the earliest.  UFBU also stated that the offer of 5% given by IBA is too low.

The representatives of IBA stated that so far five rounds of meetings were held and considering the constraints of banking industry on account of increasing NPAs and also the rising pension cost, the affordable offer was given by IBA.

The Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) suggested that another round of talks shall be held between IBA and UFBU to find amicable solution and further meetings should be held at regular intervals, say fortnightly, to settle an early wage revision.  Agreeing to the suggestions made by CLC(C), the representatives of IBA offered to hold negotiations with the representatives of UFBU on 17^th January 2014.  UFBU has responded and said that it will attend the negotiation with an open mind and also conveyed that the decision on strike will depend on the outcome of the meeting to be held on 17^th January 2014.

We advise all our affiliates and members to go ahead with the agitational programmes as advised earlier.  The outcome of the proposed meeting on the 17^th January 2014 will be informed in due course.”

With greetings,

                                                                                                    Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                       (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                             GENERAL SECRETARY

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.1 OF 2014                                                  1^st January 2014

Dear Members,

Re: New Year Greetings – 2014

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We wish you and your family a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2014. Let us welcome the New Year with full of confidence, enthusiasm and determination to reach the goals set before us – growth of the Bank and welfare of our officers’ fraternity, in tune with our time tested philosophy, “Grow with the Bank”.

On the growth front, your sustained efforts have enabled our Bank to perform relatively better in the last year notwithstanding the adverse economic conditions around us. In the current year, as the Chairman & Managing Director, Shri S.S.Mundra advised, we need to run faster to take our Bank to a ‘Ten Trillion Bank’ (TTB) by 31^st March 2014, retain and improve the status further thereafter.

On the welfare front, we need to resolve certain issues discussed in the last structured meeting held on 28^th August 2013. These include Review of Promotion Policy, Staff Welfare Fund, Furniture Scheme, Rental Ceilings, particularly for Area-II and other centres, Incentive Scheme, Reimbursement of Conveyance Expenses and quite a few other issues. Above all comes the issue of Shortage of Manpower at Branches. We are in discussion with the Bank to resolve these issues quickly.

Another important issue that engages our attention at the industry level, is an early and adequate Salary Revision for bankmen. Our apex organization INBOC, as a constituent of UFBU, is making all efforts to clinch a settlement at the earliest.

Friends, this year also happens to be a very special year for us – our Association celebrates its Golden Jubilee. The foundation of All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association was laid on 12^th September 1964. Come September, we shall celebrate the event, a historic moment for Trade Union movement of officers in our country, in a befitting manner. We seek your wholehearted support and co-operation,

With Greetings,

                                                                                                                        Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                                          (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                             GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.34 OF 2013                                   24^th December 2013

Dear Members,

                         Re: Wage Revision - UFBU decides two days’ Strike on

                                                20^th & 21^st January 2014

                    -------o0o-------

As scheduled, a meeting of UFBU was held in Hyderabad on 23^rd December 2013. The meeting congratulated all Bank Employees and Officers for the grand success of the 18^th December strike and gave a call for 48 hours strike  on 20^th and 21^st January 2014 (i.e. from  6.00 a.m. on 20^th January to  6.00 a.m. on 22^nd January 2014) to expedite Wage Revision and to oppose Banking Sector Reforms. We reproduce hereunder the text of a circular issued by the Convenor of UFBU after the meeting:

“Pursuant to the massive success of our strike action on 18^th December, 2013, a meeting of UFBU was held in Hyderabad yesterday i.e. 23^rd instant, which was presided over by Com. K K Nair, Chairman of UFBU.

The meeting expressed its condolence over the sad and sudden demise of Labour Minister Sri Sis Ram Ola who passed away recently.

The meeting congratulated all the Constituent Unions, their units and the entire rank and file of members for the massive success of the strike on 18^th December, 2013 which was meant to express our resentment over the delay in the wage revision talks and against the inadequate offer made by the IBA in response to the demand of the UFBU for a fair revision of wages looking to the steep inflation. The strike was also meant to register our protest against the unwarranted banking reform measures of the Government and demanding reversal of these policies.

The meeting thanked all the Central Trade Unions for their support to our strike action and also thanked the United Forum of Reserve Bank Officers and Employees (AIRBEA, AIRBWF, AIRBOA) and All India Insurance Employees Association for the solidarity and fraternal support to our struggle.

The Convenor informed that after issuance of strike notice on 2^nd December 2013,  IBA came with an initial offer of 5% increase on pay slip components of all workmen and officers such as Basic Pay, Special Pay, Fixed Personal Pay, Professional Qualification Pay, Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance (where applicable), Transport Allowance and Annual Medical Aid, which does not include the cost of superannuation and other components such as LFC, leave encashment, etc.  He also informed that since there was no response from the IBA despite request for substantial increase in the minimum offer, as it was felt too low, the one day All India Bank Strike on the 18^th December 2013 was not withdrawn.

The meeting decided that UFBU shall urge upon IBA to resume the negotiations forthwith with a better revised offer so that meaningful discussions can be held

thereupon so as to conclude the Settlement within a timeframe and it was also decided that if the IBA would fail to improve their offer and come forward to settle the demands expeditiously, UFBU shall continue the agitation and decided on the following programmes.

v  Conduct of preparatory and other agitation programmes like meetings, rallies, protest demonstrations, badge wearing, postering, etc. during the month of January 2014;

v  Submission of Memorandum by all employees demanding immediate wage revision to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri P Chidambaram, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of India and the Chief Executive, Indian Banks’ Association on or before the 10^th January 2014;

v  Two days’ All India Bank Strike on 20.01.2014 & 21.01.2014 by observing strike for 48 hours starting from 6.00 a.m. on 20.01.2014 to 6.00 a.m. on 22.01.2014;

v  Mass signature collection from employees and general public, against banking sector reforms, during the month of February 2014;

v  More strike action including indefinite strike during the months of February and March 2014.

Details of the preparatory programme will be given shortly.  Specimen for posters and Badges will also be sent in due course.

The meeting also decided on the following guidelines for our ensuing strike programmes.

1. Since the issue involved is wage revision for all sections of employees and officers, all employees and officers including those on probation should participate in the strike.

1. All our unions to suitably clarify to those who would retire from Bank service in the next few months to also to take part in the strike since, as per IBA guidelines/pension Regulations, there would be no loss to such employees in calculation of their pension entitlement and that wage revision would benefit all of them.

Comrades, while it would be our endeavour to resolve the demands through mutual discussions, when the response from the IBA and the Government is not positive and satisfactory, there is no other alternative than to carry forward our struggle.  Hence all our unions and members are requested to further cement our unity and march on to implement the programmes.”

With greetings,

                                                                                                        Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                           (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                 GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.32 OF 2013                      16th December 2013

Dear Members,

Re: All India Bank Strike on 18th December 2013

-------o0o-------

Further to our Circular to Members No.31 of 2013 dated 14th December,2013, we confirm having sent to you an e-mail as under:

“Today’s conciliation meeting held in the Office of Chief Labour Commissioner, New Delhi failed. 18th December, 2013 strike stands. Make it a grand success.”

In this regard, we also give hereunder the text of minutes of the Conciliation Proceedings held today by the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), New Delhi:

“Parties attended as per attendance sheet.

Prolonged discussions were held with the parties.

The representatives of the UFBU forcefully put up their views on the two demands for which strike call has been given. They also stated that bilateral meetings were held with the representatives of the IBA on 14.12.13 but the views communicated by the IBA were not acceptable.

The representatives of the IBA stated that further negotiations with UFBU can be done. At this juncture the decision for resorting to strike by the UFBU is premature as bilateral negotiation has not yet been completed. They requested/made appeal to the UFBU to withdraw their strike and come forward for fresh negotiation.

The unions expressed their inability to review their stand on the proposed strike in view of the no new/improved offer made by the IBA.

The CLC(C) appealed to the representatives of the UFBU not to resort to strike on 18th December, 2013 and come forward for bilateral negotiation as offered by the IBA.

Both the parties submitted their written view.

Further date for conciliation proceedings, if any, will be intimated to the parties by post.”

Friends, in the absence of any improved offer,UFBU has decided to go ahead with the strike on 18th December,2013. Let us all participate in the strike and make it a grand success.

We also reproduce hereunder the text of a circular issued by the UFBU on 16th December 2013, for your detailed information:

“The last 9th Bipartite Settlement on revision of wages and services conditions expired on 31.10.2012. In view of this, United Forum of Bank Unions submitted ‘Charter of Demand’ for the 10th Bipartite Settlement of IBA on 30.10.2012. At the time of submission of Charter of Demand, UFBU requested the IBA to adopt a time bound programme to negotiate and settle the demands. IBA assured an expeditious settlement. Even though the formal negotiation started in February,2013, 22only six rounds of discussions have taken place so far, viz. on 22.2.2013, 22.4.2013, 7.6.2013, 12.8.2013, 11.10.2013 and 14.12.2013 i.e. each round of discussion has taken place after a gap of approx. two months.

Work load on bank employees and officers has gone up substantially due to increase in total volume of business without proportionate increase in staff strength, causing lot of stress and strain on them. Consumer price index has gone up by more than 2400 points under 1960=100 index series since November,2007 i.e. after last settlement. Prices are still rising unabated, eroding the real money value. Hence, early wage revision has become all the more necessary.

Despite six rounds of talk, not much headway has been made in the settlement of Charter of Demand. The paltry offer of 5% increase on the salary components covered by payslip components nowhere matches the expectations of the bank employees considering wages and salaries in comparative sectors including the salaries of government employees which was the bench mark for bank officers and employees at the time of implementation of PCR. It is pertinent to mention that government has also announced formation of panel on 7th pay commission which is to be implemented with effect from 1.1.2016 and on the other hand we do not find seriousness on the part of the IBA with regard to the wage negotiations.

IBA is trying to divide the officers community and want to implement fixed and variable pay concept for scale 4 and above in the banking industry. The concept of variable pay based on achievement of goals etc. is highly subjective and technical, considering the banking parlance. In the name of banking sector reforms, Government and RBI are taking retrograde steps. Therefore, UFBU consisting of 4 officers’ organizations and 5 Award staff Unions will observe 1 day strike on 18th December,2013.

Sir, despite your best efforts no new/improved offer has been made by the IBA. Therefore, we are not able to review our decision.”

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K.NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.31 OF 2013 14th December 2013

Dear Members,

Re: All India Bank Strike on 18th December 2013

-------o0o-------

With regard to the above, we confirm having sent an E-mail reading as under:

“Today’s meeting with IBA – Offer on load made by IBA is not at all satisfactory. Hence 18th December strike stands. Make it a grand success.”

With regard to the load factor, which is a vital part in the Wage Revision discussion, IBA in the meeting held today, stated that “they are seriously pursuing the load factor with the Government.” Simultaneously they also requested UFBU to withdraw the proposed strike on 18th December 2013.

UFBU expressed its inability to reconsider our stand on 18th December strike based on a mere statement of “pursuing the issue with the Govt.” and insisted on initial offer. To our utter surprise IBA offered a meager increase of 5% of Salary & Allowances. IBA also expressed their inability to improve the offer further. UFBU informed IBA that the offer so made is too low and is not acceptable to us.

Friends, under these circumstances, UFBU is left with no other alternative but to proceed with the proposed strike on 18th December 2013. Let us go all out to make the 18th December strike a grand success.

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K.NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.30 OF 2013                                        4^th December 2013

Dear Members,

Re: (i)  All India Bank Strike – preponed to 18^th December 2013

      (ii)  Scheme for providing residential accommodation to officers

      (iii) Promotion Policy – Review

      (iv) Natural calamity in Uttarakhand – Interest free loan

                                           -------o0o-------

We wish to inform that the All India Bank strike scheduled on 19^th December 2013 now stands preponed to 18^th December 2013. UFBU took the said decision as 19^th December 2013 happens to be a holiday in certain States. Details of the agitation programmes are as under:

We request each one of you to make the agitation programmes and the All India Bank Strike on 18^th December 2013 a Grand Success.

Scheme for providing residential accommodation to officers

As you are aware increase in the rental ceilings under the scheme for providing residential accommodation to officers has been an issue which we have been pursuing with the management periodically. While some relief was given to officers with effect from 1^st October 2011, the increase in Area-II and ‘other centres’ were found inadequate and not in tune with the market realities. We took up the issues again with the management and the Bank has revised the ceilings, with effect from 1^st November 2013 as under:

                                                                                                      (Amt. in ` p.m.)

These revised ceilings too fall short of the requirements of officers posted in several “Area-II” and ‘Other Centres’. We have therefore taken up this issue with the management once again for appropriate revision.

Promotion Policy – Review

As reported to you earlier, the Promotion Policy in vogue in our Bank is under review and discussions are being held between the representatives of the management and our Association. The Association had yet another meeting with the Bank on this issue on 25^th November 2013. We shall keep you informed of further developments in due course.

Natural calamity in Uttarakhand – Interest free loan

You are aware of the Flash Floods erupted in the State of Uttarakhand on 16^th June 2013 which caused unheard calamity to tens of thousands of people there. To mitigate the sufferings of our Bank’s employees affected by floods, we represented to the Bank to extend some relief to them. We are happy to inform that the Bank has considered our representation favourably and agreed to extend one time interest free Relief Loan to flood affected employees as per following terms and conditions:

Quantum of Loan                :    -03- months gross salary.

Rate of Interest                     :   NIL

Repayment                           :   -36- equal monthly instalments

NOTE: Total deductions from salary and allowances inclusive of the deduction towards proposed loan may not exceed 60% of the Gross Emoluments.

We are thankful to the management for this gesture.

With greetings,

                                                                                                                                                                Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                                                                                    (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                                                                                       GENERAL SECRETARY

CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.29 OF 2013                                                                                                            25^th November 2013

Dear Members,

Re: XIIIth General Conference of our Association

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Further to our circular No.27 dated 11.11.2013 we give below further details about the XIIIth  General Conference of our Association held at Vadodara on 19^th and 20^h October 2013.

Proceedings on the 2^nd day commenced at 9.00 a.m.  The General Secretary reported that the Association has received a large number of messages from Executive Directors and several functionaries of our Bank, our members, Trade Union Leaders and well wishers.  Shri N.V.Daniel, Secretary (Central Gujarat Zone) read out the messages received from S/Shri P.Srinivas, Ranjan Dhawan & B.B.Joshi, Executive Directors, S.N.Bhandari, Director, Corporate General Managers, Zonal Heads, DGMs and AGMs. The House thanked each one of them with a loud applause.

Taking up the agenda, “To review and discuss organizational matters and service conditions of officers in the Bank and adopt appropriate Resolutions”, General Secretary updated the members with the various developments in our organization. He also updated them  with the recent developments on the new Bank Licensing Policy under which the Government proposes to give licenses to Private Corporate and Industrial Houses for opening Banks. The meeting deliberated at length and was of the firm view that this proposed Policy, if allowed to be implemented, will adversely impact the functioning of Public Sector Banks and defeat the very objectives of Bank Nationalization. The House unanimously resolved to take all measures to ensure that the Govt. revisits and reconsiders this policy.  

Proceeding with the agenda, General Secretary further reported that the management has now agreed to revive the Structured Meetings at Zonal level and the first Zonal Level Structured Meeting on a Pilot Project basis, was held at Greater Mumbai Zone on 19-07-2013. The meeting, the General Secretary stated, was held in a cordial atmosphere and a number of issues were discussed and resolved. The General Secretary informed that with the successful conclusion of this Pilot Project at Greater Mumbai Zone, Structured Meetings would be held in other Zones too. Meanwhile the General Secretary insisted on the need to complete the Structured Meetings at Regional level. The General Secretary emphasized that Zonal and Regional Committees must be strengthened further. In this context the House also took a note of the Bank’s decision to open eight new Regions in the Bank.

The General Secretary also brought to the notice of the House that the Association could enter into a Transfer Policy and Promotion Policy with the Bank during the intervening period. The Transfer Policy settled with the management in the year 2010 was reviewed on 02-03-2013 and will be valid for three years. The Promotion Policy revised and approved by the Board of the Bank on 27-01-2010 is now under review and we expect to reach a final settlement soon, added the General Secretary. Issues such as incentives to branch heads, inadequate rental ceilings for certain centres, review of furniture scheme etc. are some of the major issues taken up by us and we are awaiting Bank’s decision, added the General Secretary.

In the discussions that followed, delegates appreciated the improvements made in service conditions. The House also reiterated its demand for a reasonable share in the huge profit that our Bank makes year after year. S/Shri Prem Makker (North Zone), R.K.Chatterjee (BOJ Zone), Pradeep Kumar Jha (MP & CG Zone), H.S.Banerjee (Eastern Zone), Pooran Singh (W.U.P. & U Zone), Shyam Sunder (K & AP Zone), V.B.Chavan (M&G Zone), Janak M.Suthar (North Guj.Zone), N.V.Daniel (Central Guj.Zone), S.S.Meena (Rajasthan Zone), S.N.S Yadav (E.U.P.Zone), G.Virabadran (TN & Kerala Zone), S.H.Nebhani (Greater Mumbai Zone) and several other delegates participated in the discussion and presented their view on various issues concerning the officers.

In response, General Secretary informed the members that the Association has taken up most of the issues raised by delegates with the management and he expressed his hope that the same would be sorted out through bilateral discussions. The demand made by members for ‘Risk Insurance Policy’ to the officers by the Bank was well appreciated by the house and General Secretary agreed to take up the matter at the appropriate level. Regarding denial of Additional Retirement Benefit (ARB) to officers the General Secretary stated that due to misinterpretation of the provisions by the management this has happened and its restoration is under active consideration of the Association. Delegates desired that yet another training programme for Defence Representatives be organized and the General Secretary agreed to arrange it as early as possible. The General Secretary also announced that the Ladies’ Wing, as desired by the delegates, would be revived soon. Subsequently the Conference adopted unanimously the following Resolutions:

1.   To Protest against the Government decision of RBI/Govt. to issue licenses to Private Corporate Business to open Banks in Private Sector.

2.      To Approve certain amendments to the Constitution of the Association as proposed.

3.      To Condone the delay in conducting the General Conference of the Association.

4.   To Appoint Auditors to audit the Books of Accounts of the Association & fix their remuneration.

Taking up the Agenda viz. Business Development of the Bank, the General Secretary urged upon the need to put in all efforts for all round growth of the Bank and make our Bank  a Ten Trillion Bank by 31^st March 2014, a cherished goal set by our Bank’s CMD Shri S.S.Mundra. Initiating discussions Shri V.B.Chavan, Secretary (Mah. & Goa Zone) stressed the need for improving the share of fee based income, in view of the narrowing spread. Since the Bank has been shedding away the bulk deposits due to its high cost, he called upon the members to concentrate more on retail deposits. He shared with the members the anxiety of the top management on growing NPA and PWO portfolios. The shrinking level of Priority Sector, Agriculture and other Priority sector advances below the mandatory requirements also needs to be arrested. The performance of loan factories established by the bank to cater to the needs of retail and SME sectors are not encouraging due to the poor leads that are generated by the branches, Shri Chavan added. Bank is marching towards a strong network of 5000 branches, 6000 ATMs and 25000 POS machines. Self pass-book printing is a new initiative for the benefit of customers. The scope for Government Business has been widened to more branches. Car Loan and Home Loan Schemes have been redefined. All these new initiatives should be exploited for maximizing the business of the bank, Shri Chavan said. He stressed the need for taping the potential to improve the CASA level as also to issue ATM cards to all active SB account holders. A number of delegates participated in the discussions that followed and endorsed the suggestions made by Shri Chavan adding further action points for augment of Bank’s Business. The meeting took a careful note of these and Delegates in one voice appreciated the call given by Association and decided to put in all efforts to make our Bank Ten Trillion Bank by 31^st March 2014.

The House took up for consideration the next agenda viz. Developments in INTUC and INBOC. Dr.G.Sanjeeva Reddy, Ex-MP,  President of INTUC and INBOC and Shri Jaiprakash Chhajed, All India Vice-President and Maharashstra State President of INTUC joined the meeting at this juncture. Shri R.K.Chatterjee, Zonal Secretary (BOJ) welcomed the dignitaries to the Conference. Shri K.K.Nair in his introductory address, recalled the rich contributions made by Dr.Reddy to the working class of the country during the last sixty years. Shri Nair recalled his close association with Shri Chhajed, MLC in Trade Union movement in Maharashtra as INTUC State President, where he is the General Secretary. Sighting the slow progress in Wage Revision talks, General Secretary appealed to Dr. Reddy to extend his wholehearted support in reaching an early settlement as was done in the past.

Conveying his greetings to the XIIIth General Conference, Shri Jaiprakash Chhajed MLC  opposed Government decision to open up banking industry to private sector as this decision would defeat the objectives of Nationalization of Banks laid down by our Government under the leadership of Late Smt. Indira Gandhi in 1969. He also added that it would help only foreign and private banks to maximize their profit.  Shri Chhajed assured the unstinted support of INTUC in the struggle of bank employees against this anti social decision.  He thanked the Association for inviting him to attend the Conference and wished all success for the event.

Dr. G Sanjeeva Reddy, at the outset, thanked the Association for inviting him to the General Conference and shared his seamless pleasure to meet the delegates.  He applauded the efficient customer service rendered by the Public Sector Banks through dedicated services to the farmers, workers and common men in the country. Dr.Reddy further stated, “INTUC believes that the prime duty of every trade union is to create an atmosphere that allows the industry to grow freely.”  At the same time INTUC would oppose the wrong policies of the Government irrespective of its strong sentiments to the ruling Congress party, added Dr.Reddy. “It is the duty of INTUC to point out the mistakes and put pressure on Government to initiate corrective measure”, Dr. Reddy emphasized. In the context of licensing policy for opening Banks in private sector, he categorically stated that any move leading to weaken or destruct public sector banks would be opposed by the Joint Action Committee of Trade Unions under his chairmanship.  Dr. Reddy recalled that during the last wage revision settlement, he along with Shri K.K.Nair met the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the then Finance Minister Shri Pranab Kumar Mukherjee. These meetings ultimately helped the bank unions to reach a fairly good settlement.  All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association is the oldest officers’ organization in banking industry and INTUC is proud to have its General Secretary Shri K.K.Nair as Treasurer of INTUC and General Secretary of Maharashtra INTUC.  While reiterating the unstinted support of INTUC for the common cause of bank officers, he called upon members to strengthen the industries in public sector and take forward the country to prosperity.

Shri Prem Makkker, Secretary (Northern Zone), proposed vote of thanks.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS:  The  General Conference unanimously elected the following as new office bearers. 

Friends, the historic xiiith General Conference concluded at 7.30 p.m. on 20^th October 2013 with a Vote of Thanks by Shri S N S Yadav Secretary (E.U.P.Zone). The Delegates who came from the length and breadth of the country participated in the two days’ Conference were thrilled to be a part of the discussions marked by quality with respect to time schedule. They were delighted to be a part of the Conference organised in the Golden Jubilee year of our beloved Association built by unflinching loyalty, faith, commitment and dedication of our membership, past and present. The delegates were very happy and appreciative of the excellent arrangements made by Shri N.V.Daniel, Secretary, Baroda Zone and the Chairman, Reception Committee and large number of volunteers who took meticulous care to make the Conference a grand success. We are thankful to each one of them.

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K. NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.28 OF 2013                                                                                                                        23^rd November 2013

Dear Members,

Re:  Wage Revision & Banking Reforms –

        Bank Strike on 19^th December 2013

  -------o0o------

A meeting of UFBU was held in Chennai on 20^th November 2013 to discuss and decide on the most important issue of Wage Revision. The meeting also discussed other areas of serious concern to Bank employees viz. reform policies proposed in the Banking Sector, allowing foreign banks to enter India in a big way etc. The meeting after detailed discussions decided to go on one day strike on 19^th December 2013 demanding IMMEDIATE WAGE REVISION AND STOP BANKING REFORMS. We reproduce hereunder the text of a circular issued by Shri M.V.Murali, Convenor, for your information.

“A meeting of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) was held in Chennai yesterday i.e., 20^th November 2013 under the chairmanship of Com. K K Nair, Chairman of UFBU and the representatives of all constituent unions/associations of UFBU were present.

The developments in the areas of wage negotiations, reform policies of the Government in the banking sector, the speed with which the Government is proceeding in implementation of reforms were reviewed and extensive deliberations were made on the issues confronting the bank employees.

The meeting noted with concern, the lackadaisical attitude of the Government/IBA in the area of wage negotiations that resulted in inordinate and undue delay in the process of negotiations.  Taking into consideration the insignificant progress in the process of negotiations despite a lapse of more than a year since commencement of the process and the financial pressure on employees due to high inflation, the representatives of all constituent unions of UFBU unanimously decided to press the demands through agitation programmes including strike action as there is no positive response from the Government/IBA to settle the 10^th Bipartite Wage Settlement at the earliest.

The meeting also expressed its strong protest against the various measures being taken by the Government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the name of financial reforms inasmuch as the proposals like allowing foreign banks to enter India in a big way with near ‘national treatment’, which would enable them to take over our banks, the discussion paper released by RBI recently on Banking Structure in India and the thinking of RBI to consider granting of licenses to open Private and Foreign Banks under New Bank Licensing Policy, etc., are designed to eliminate the public sector character in the Country which are not in the interests of general public, who have faith and feel more secured with the Public Sector Banks. 

Further, the meeting condemned the recent decision of NABARD to convert the Primary Agriculture Co-operatives (PACs) as Business Correspondent (BC) of District Co-operative Credit Banks (DCCBs), thereby around 2.2 lac permanent employees working in PACs would be affected and adopted a resolution extending solidarity support to the agitating employees of PACs.

          Considering all the above aspects, the meeting decided to give a call for      All India Bank Strike for one day on 19^th December 2013 demanding

·         IMMEDIATE WAGE REVISION

·         TO STOP BANKING REFORMS

Details of agitation programmes will be issued in due course.

The representatives of all the constituent Unions of UFBU further decided to meet on 23^rd December 2013 to review the position and chalk out further agitation programmes, if need be.

          Comrades, there is no significant progress in the 10^th Bipartite Wage negotiations even though it was initially assured by IBA to conclude the wage negotiation process at the earliest.  It is disappointing to note that even the rate of increase is not yet offered by the negotiating authorities despite the lapse of more than a year.  We are left with no option except to resort to agitation programmes including strike action.

          Comrades, let us march on with all the strength at our command and make agitation programmes a grand success not only to achieve reasonable wage increase at the earliest but also to thwart the anti-public and anti-national moves of the policymakers in the name of financial reforms.”

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K. NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.27 OF 2013                                                                                                                                                11^th November 2013

Dear Members,

Re: XIIIth General Conference of our Association

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In continuation to our circular No. 23 dated 29.10.2013, we report hereunder further details of the XIIIth General Conference of the Association held at Vadodara.

The post lunch session on 19^th October,2013commenced at 2.30 pm with the key note address by Shri S K Das, Chief General Manager (HRM).  Shri Das expressed his happiness in attending the Conference being held on the eve of the Golden Jubilee of the Association and he greeted the delegates on this happy occasion. During the past 50 years, the Association had passed through several difficult situations and successfully come out every time, he observed.  The service conditions and working atmosphere in the Bank witnessed remarkable improvements during this period, added Shri Das. The ban on recruitments that began in the industry during early 90s put the employees into severe hardships, particularly in the context of manifold increase in business on account of vast branch expansion.  However, the newly joined employees who were inducted into the system after 2007,when the recruitments were re-started, are not aware of the problems faced by their predecessors during the past, he said.  TheCGM(HRM) felt that the industry would witness yet another period of crisis when the issuance of new banking licenses takes place in 2014. 

Shri Das informed that more than 70% of Executivesavailable  in the Bank today would retire during the coming 3 years, paving way to young officers for career elevation. He called upon the officers  to become successful Managers thereby taking the business of the Bank to greater heights.  The CGM (HRM) shared with the delegates that more than 40% candidates who qualify for recruitment in Banks through IBPS opt Bank of Baroda, only due to the enviable service conditions and bright career prospects available in our Bank. Imparting proper training and bringing the new recruits to the right career path has been a great challenge.  But through the best HR policies and practices, in harmony with Government guidelines, Bank has been able to successfully face this challenge, he said.  Shri Das advised the members to create a bench markfor  themselves and others. 

Shri Das stated that mounting NPA  has become one of the very serious concerns for banking industry as a whole and our Bank in particular adding that, the threat of staff accountability hampers decision making process for officers in credit matters.  Shri Das called upon the concerned officials to take pragmatic views while examining staff accountability and conducting investigations. He further stated that E-learning facility introduced by  the Bank has been a new initiative and officers should extract maximum advantage out of it. “Employees should practice earn while they learn and earn while they sell, all through online mechanism”, he advised.

“The coming days are very crucial for the employees in banking industry, particularly in view of the wage revision talks and other developments that takes place in financial sector.  The Association under the leadership of Shri K K Nair should strive hard to reach an early wage revision settlement as also to get 5 day week implemented at the earliest”, Shri Das said amidst loud applause. Concluding his address Shri Das thanked the Association leadership for inviting him to attend the General Conference and wished the two days programme all success.

BUSINESS SESSION.

Business session of the Conference commenced thereafter and the house took up for consideration various agenda items.

Presentation of Report and Accounts:

As the first item of the agenda, Shri K K Nair presented the General Secretary’s Report for the consideration of the house.  General Secretary requested the forum to condone the delay in convening the conference within the stipulated time.  The house while condoning the delay held detailed deliberations on the Report and adopted the same unanimously.  Subsequently, Shri Bharat More, Treasurer of the Association presented the audited Accounts of the Association for the period upto December 2012.  Discussions were held on the Accounts and the same were passed unanimously.

Amendments to the Constitution:

As the next item in the agenda, certain amendments to the Constitution of the Association were taken up for discussion. After thorough discussions, all the amendments proposed were adopted unanimously. Details are as under:

Wage Revision and Other Related Issues

General Secretary presented an updated report on wage revision. He informed that during the course of five rounds of discussions between UFBU and IBA consensus could be reached only on the date of effect and merger of dearness allowance. On the offer of wage load increase, IBA sought more time to study the cost impact.  In response to the demand of UFBU for 100% reimbursement of hospitalisation expenses, IBA proposed introduction of Mediclaim Policy under which the Insurance Company would reimburse expenses upto a ceiling of Rs.4.00 lacs, Rs.3.00 lacs and Rs.2.00 lacs per annum for officers, clerical staff and sub staff respectively.  UFBU has not responded to the offer pending detailed study of the proposed Policy. Management’s demand for introduction of CTC and Fixed/Variable pay concepts and restricting  wage revision talks upto Scale-III only were totally rejected by UFBU, the General Secretary said. In the matter of restoration of compassionate ground appointments, IBA has informed Unions that a scheme similar to that of Central Government Employees has been recommended to the  Government for its approval, which indeed is a positive initiative by IBA on this long pending demand, he added. 

General Secretary appraised the house that a delegation of UFBU constituents met Finance Minister Shri P Chidambaram on 06/08/2013 and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the demands of bank employees for an early settlement of wage revision, introduction of 5 day week and restoration of compassionate recruitment as also its protest against merger of banks and issuance of banking license to corporate houses. Finance Minister gave a patient hearing on the grievances and agreed to look into the issues. The General Secretary also informed that another round of discussions were held with IBA on 11/10/2013. However, there was no visible progress on the part of IBA in the matters related to wage load, DA formula, compassionate appointment and various other issues.  In protest against the delay tactics of IBA in wage revision talks, UFBU gave a call for demonstration in state capitals and other major centres on 22/10/2013 demanding expeditious wage settlement. 

A number of delegates participated in the discussion that followed  and each one criticized the action of IBA to delay the wage revision settlement and urged UFBU to  convey its strongest  protest to the Government of India.  

Please await our next circular for further details.

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K. NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.26 OF 2013                                                                                                                                                       29^th October 2013

Dear Members,

Re: XIIIth General Conference of our Association

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We are very glad to inform that the XIIIth General Conference of our Association was held on 19^th and 20^th October 2013 at Vadodara, the proud birth place of our Bank. A great event for our Association, the General Conference took place at Ball Room, Surya Palace Hotel, Sayajigunj, Vadodara. A large contingent of Delegates and Central Committee Members from different parts of the country took part in the Conference.

The inaugural session commenced on 19^th October 2013 at 10.30 a.m. with a Prayer song followed by a welcome address by Shri N.V.Daniel, Secretary of the host Zone. Shri Daniel offered warm welcome to the Chief Guest Shri S.S.Mundra, the Chairman and Managing Director of our Bank, Shri Maulin Vaishnav, the Director on Bank’s Board, Shri V.B.Chavan, the Zonal Secretary (Maharashtra & Goa) and Director on the Board representing the Officers’ Association, Shri Milind Nadkarni, General Secretary, All India Bank of Baroda Employes’ Federation, Shri S.K.Das, Chief General Manager (HRM) and representatives of AIBEA and other Employee organizations. He also welcomed the invitees Shri V.K.Bhattia, General Manager (South Gujarat Zone), Shri U.K.Bijapur, General Manager (North Gujarat Zone), Shri Vipin Mahajan, General Manager (CID), other Executives, Guests, and delegates and Central Committee members from all over the country to the Conference. The dignitaries and invitees were also welcomed with floral bouquets.

The General Secretary in his introductory address joined Shri Daniel in welcoming the dignitaries, guests, delegates, Central Committee members, Zonal Secretaries, other office-bearers, Committee members and invitees. The General Secretary profusely thanked the CMD Shri S.S.Mundra for amicably settling some of the long pending demands made by the Association more particularly revival of ESCORT Scheme, Structured Meeting at Zonal level, Business Development Meeting at Corporate and Zonal levels besides commencing and concluding various exercises for promotions to higher grade/scale resulting in a record number of promotions to officers. He assured the CMD that our membership will wholeheartedly work to realize the ambitious goal to take our Bank to a Ten Trillion Bank (TTB) by March 2014.

The Chairman & Managing Director Shri Mundra inaugurated the XIIIth General Conference by lighting the traditional lamp amidst thunderous applause. He expressed his overwhelming happiness in attending the Conference and being a Barodian he felt a sense of comfort and nostalgia as he was a part of such similar occasions in the past. The XIIIth General Conference has great significance on account of three reasons, the first and foremost being its venue at the birth place of the Bank, the second significance, according to him, was the extra energy packed within the members as the Conference takes place after a gap of more than 5 years and the third aspect of importance is that the meeting is convened during the Golden Jubilee Year of the Association. Shri Mundra recalled that the Association is the oldest officers’ organization in banking industry and it enjoys the status of a mother organization to many other trade unions in the industry. Under the matured leadership of Shri K.K.Nair, AIBOBOA has been a coaching class to other organizations as well as for the employees in the Bank. The adherence of the Association to its philosophy ‘Grow with the Bank’ and its implementation in letter and spirit for five decades is commendable, the CMD added. Shri Mundra complemented Shri V.B.Chavan, for his immense contribution as a dedicated Director in Board representing Officers’ Association.

Shri Mundra viewed that the Indian economy is passing through a testing time. The GDP has fallen to the level of almost 5% from 9-10% about 3-4 years back. Since GDP has a direct impact on credit growth, the 25% growth achieved during those days may now fall down significantly. Our Bank should envisage a credit growth of nearly 3-4% above industry average which may be around 18-20%. The current account deficit of the country, though under control, also causes concern to banking industry.

Other major problem concerning the industry is the growing inflation rate, where the depositors expect higher interest rate. On the other side the borrowers anticipate reduction in credit rate for a sustained growth. This phenomenon puts tremendous pressure on the profitability of banks. Regulators have kept the liquidity under tight control. We are also required to adhere to the various actions of regulators and controlling agencies. All these macroeconomic indicators have changed the past business equations and necessitated the Bank to handle the business with due care and prudence. CMD further stated that his call for “Back to Basics” is based on this changed scenario. CMD has shared with the house that the Board of Directors has met for two days to discuss exclusively on strategies on various short, mid and long term action points.

Shri Mundra stated that, as required under a new regulation, Bank had made a presentation to RBI on Risk Based Supervision, in which control on asset quality, wide based growth in credit, massive expansion of Alternate Delivery Channel, Control, Compliance & Governance (CCG) and HR matters were projected as Bank’s five top priorities. HR related matters are more significant in the coming years in the context of massive retirements that are going to take place in the next three years. “In order to achieve our goals, our mantra should be 5 ‘P’s, viz. Product, Process, Pricing, Publicity & Promotion and more importantly the People”, he added. CMD called upon the members “to concentrate the focus to do things in right direction” and emphasized “The core philosophy of employees should be willing participation than prescription”.

CMD recalled that during the current year, the promotions in various cadres were as high as more than 40% of any other years. Transfers were implemented in a time bounded manner and various policies were either modified or formulated for the benefit of employees in consultation with organizations of employees. He called upon the members to properly blend the traditional banking with transactional banking. As a step towards creating a pool of loyal and lasting customers Bank had reduced bulk business substantially and replaced the same largely with retail business. CMD advised the members to be pragmatic in handling NPA accounts and slippage prevention. “More attention should be given in Financial inclusion and Retail Business growth”, the CMD reiterated.

Our CMD Shri Mundra further declared that under the action points proposed in HR, promotions upto Scale-I would take place within six months and that promotion in other cadres and transfers would be effected within the prescribed time schedule. Under Project Sparsh, the on boarding programme of newly recruited staff is implemented effectively. CMD announced improvements in Provision for Furniture to Officers, increase in rental ceilings and incentive Schemes covering large number of employees with increased amount. He appealed to the officers’ fraternity in the bank to make all out efforts to achieve Ten Trillion Bank by March 2014. Shri Mundra expressed his happiness on the business agenda and hoped that the Conference would conduct fruitful discussions on it and emerge with action points. He wished all success to the XIIIthe General Conference.

Shri Maulinbhai Vaishnav, Director on our Bank’s Board, in his felicitation address, shared his happiness in holding the meeting at the birth place of the Bank. He complemented CMD Shri Mundra for holding a two days meeting of the Board exclusively to discuss on Business Strategy, first of its kind, during his last 9 years’ term as a Director. Shri Maulinbhai congratulated Team Baroda for the Rashtra Bhasha Award conferred on the Bank at national level in the recent past. Shri Maulinbhai Vaishnav thanked the Association for inviting him to the Conference and wished all success.

Shri Milind Nadkarni, the General Secretary of All India Bank of Baroda Employees’ Federation in his address to the house recollected the long standing relationship his organization has with Officers’ Association. Shri Rajagopal and Shri Chokshi the then General Secretaries of Federation and Officers’ Association had contributed largely for building up a firm relationship. He complemented Shri K.K.Nair for running the Association in an excellent manner even when it went through some troublesome period. Shri Nadkarni revealed that he had learnt a lot from Shri Nair, both personally and professionally. “Trade Union is a long and hard journey and 50 years is only a beginning for Officers’ Association, thanks to the pragmatic leadership of Shri K.K.Nair. Having Shri Nair at the helm, AIBOBOA has a bright future”, he stated. Shri Milind Nadkarni congratulated Shri K.K.Nair on his election as the Chairman of UFBU and desired that he also involves in the activities of International Forum of Workers. Shri Nadkarni extended wholehearted support to the CMD for making his dream TTB true and requested him “to add another ‘P’ to his 5 ‘p’ mantras, that is Piece with Prosperity to the Employees”. Inaugural Session ended with a Vote of Thanks by Shri R.K.Chatterjee, Secretary, BOJ Zone. Await our next circular for further details.

We take this opportunity to wish you and your family Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year.

With regards,

                                                                                              Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                   (K.K.NAIR)

                                                                                         GENERAL SECRETARY

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 CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.25 OF 2013                                                                                                                           15^th October 2013

Dear Members,

Re: Morcha to Parliament on 12^th December 2013.

-------o0o-------

With regard to the above we reproduce hereunder the text of a circular of date issued by UFBU for the information of our members:

“All our unions and members are aware that as per the call of the Central Trade Unions, one million bank employees took part in the 2 Days General Strike on 20^th and 21^st February, 2013 as per the decision of UFBU and contributed to the success of the united action by the entire working class. As a sequel to this massive protest action against the Central Government’s anti-labour policies, the Prime Minister himself responded and stated that the demands raised by the trade unions are reasonable and genuine and hence needs to be looked into. However, after this, a farcial meeting was held by a Group of Ministers with the Central Trade unions and nothing has moved thereafter.

Hence, in order to further pursue the demands, a Convention of all the Central Trade Unions and various other independent trade unions was held in Delhi on 6^th August, 2013. UFBU was also invited to this Convention and all our constituent unions particiapted in the same. A clarion call was given from the Convention to organise a massive morcha to Parliament on 12^th December, 2013 to focus the following 10 point charter of demands:

1. 1. Concrete measures to contain price rise
2. 2. Concrete measures for employment generation,
3. 3. Strict enforcement of labour laws,
4. 4. Universal social security cover for organized and unorganized workers and creation of National Social Security Fund
5. 5. Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs / Undertakings,
6. 6. No Contractorisation of work of permanent / perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry / establishment.
7. 7. Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs.10, 000/- linked with cost price index.
8. 8. Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; Increase the quantum of gratuity.

1. 9. Assured Pension for all

10. Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98

All these issues have arisen on account of the anti-labour and pro-employer policies of the Central Government. It is a matter of satisfaction that all the Central Trade Unions have come together on a single platform to fight agaisnt these policies and to achieve these demands. As UFBU, we also support all these demands as bank employees are placed no differently. Our demands for wage revision is not moving forward. There are also incesant attacks on the banking sector in the name of banking reforms. Hence, from the UFBU meeting held in Mumbai on 11th October, 2013, it was decided to call upon all our unions and members to take part in the Morcha to Palimanet on 12th December, 2013.”

We request all our members to make the Morcha a grand success.

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K.NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.24 OF 2013                                                                                                                                                      14^th October 2013

Dear Members,

Re: Wage Revision - Meeting with IBA

-------o0o-------

Further to our circular No.23 dated 5^th October 2013, we reproduce hereunder the text of a circular issued by UFBU after the meting with IBA

“Another round of bipartite discussions was held today in Mumbai between IBA and UFBU on our demands for wage revision. IBA was represented by its Core Committee led by Shri R K Dubey, CMD, Canara Bank and UFBU was represented by all the Nine Constituent Unions.

D.A. Formula: Revision of Dearness Allowance formula has been discussed at length since the CPI points under 1960-series are no longer compiled and published. The DA payable is being arrived at after duly converting the Consumer Price Index (CPI) points compiled under 2001-series. UFBU has impressed upon the need to switch over to CPI 2001-series for payment of DA and revision of DA on monthly basis. IBA said that they have to examine the matter in detail before responding.

Reimbursement of Hospitalisation Expenses: Management wanted to know the response of the UFBU on introduction of Medical Insurance Scheme. UFBU constituents after elaborate discussions among the unions decided to have improvements in the present scheme and have it in-house rather than switching over to insurance especially in view of the difficulties faced wherever the insurance scheme is in operation. Hence, UFBU conveyed to IBA its disinclination towards introduction of Medical Insurance Scheme in place of the existing scheme for Reimbursement of Hospitalisation Expenses. However, the IBA suggested that whatever difficulties that are being envisaged could be discussed and sorted out and requested the UFBU to consider its view point.

Compassionate Appointments: UFBU sought to know the developments in regard to Compassionate Appointments, since a long time has elapsed after sending recommendations of IBA on the Scheme to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. IBA informed that the matter is still pending with the Government. UFBU exhorted upon the need to finalise the matter immediately as it has been lingering on for many years without any resolution.

Superannuation Cost: UFBU demanded that the cost on superannuation and welfare measures should not be included in the cost of wage revision. IBA said that they would examine the matter.

Five-day Week: UFBU has insisted for introduction of 5-day week in the banking industry for the reason that after introduction of technology, various alternate channels like ATMs, Net Banking, etc. are widely available and being utilized by the customers and hence, it would not cause any inconvenience. Besides it is a common and growing phenomenon globally to have 5-day week to ensure better quality of life. IBA assured to examine the matter.

Introduction of concepts of Cost-to-Company (CTC) and Variable Pay: UFBU has conveyed unequivocally its opposition for the introduction of concepts of CTC and Variable Pay in the banking industry.

Wage Revision of officers: Responding to the earlier stand taken by IBA to restrict negotiations in case of officers from Scale-I to Scale-III alone excluding officers from Scale-IV to VII, UFBU demanded that the negotiations should be held with the negotiating unions on wages and service conditions of all officers from Scale-I to Scale-VII as hitherto especially in view of the service conditions being common for all the categories and also to ensure relativity between the Scales.

Directions to work on Holidays declared under N.I. Act: Most of the holidays declared for festivals in various States under N.I. Act differ from State to State resulting in most of the festivals days would happen to be a working day in one State or the other. After introduction of Cheque Truncation System (CTS) on grid basis, since there is no common holiday in the respective States connected under any grid, bank employees and officers are forced to work on festival days foregoing the holiday as well as the traditional rituals to be performed on those festival days adversely affecting their sentiments and social obligations. UFBU exhorted the need to delink the operations of CTS of a particular State from the Grid on the day in which it is declared a holiday under N.I. Act to enable the employees to follow their customs and perform the rituals as per their religions.

Similarly, on other holidays/Sundays, the Banks are directed to keep open their branches quoting the reason of continuous holidays or for accepting the Government challenges/Tax payments. UFBU impressed upon IBA that in the present technological environment, with the availability of alternate channels like ATMs, Net Banking, etc. the necessity to keep open branches on holidays is obviated. Besides, it is becoming unproductive as the business that is being transacted is too low in relation to the expenditure being incurred by banks to work on a holiday.

IBA has appreciated the difficulties of the employees/officers and the reasons adduced by UFBU and assured to take up the matter with the authorities concerned.

Wage Revision and Increase in Wages: UFBU wanted to know the response of IBA on the wage load and the offer of IBA on wage increase. IBA expressed its inability to respond in the absence of mandate from the authorities concerned. UFBU expressed its concern in not holding the meetings on regular basis at frequent intervals and undue delay in the process of wage negotiations. UFBU expressed its dissatisfaction and insisted for expeditious wage settlement.

Comrades, since there is no satisfactory progress towards revision of wages and it is unduly delayed, the Constituents of UFBU decided to exhibit their dissatisfaction. UFBU has, accordingly, decided to express its dissatisfaction by conducting demonstrations throughout the country in all State Capitals and other Major Centres on 22^nd October 2013 demanding expeditious wage settlement. We request all our units/members to conduct massive demonstrations at all these Centre and make it a thunderous success.

We also exhort upon our units and members to be in readiness for further agitations, including strike if need be, if there is no positive and expeditious response from the Government/IBA to settle the 10^th Bipartite Wage Settlement at the earliest.”

Let us make the 22^nd October 2013 demonstrations, mammoth.

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K.NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.23 OF 2013                                                                                                                                                           5^th October 2013

Dear Members,

Re: 1) Wage Revision – Meeting on Charter of Demands

2) Overseas assignment – 2014 – Selection process

3) ESCORT for officers

-------o0o-------

We wish to inform that the Core Group of IBA will hold a meeting with the representatives of Officers’ Associations and Workmen Unions on Friday 11^th October 2013 in Mumbai to discuss Wage Revision for Bank employees. We shall advise you the outcome after the meeting.

Overseas assignment – 2014 – Selection process

Our Bank has commenced an exercise for selection of India Based Officers & India Based Trainee Officers up to MMG/Scale-IV for overseas assignment - 2014. Eligibility Criteria, positions sought to be filled up etc. are detailed by the Bank vide its circular No.BCC:BR:105/435 dated 3^rd October 2013. Please note that the last date for submission of online applications will be 15^th October 2013 (Up to 9.00 p.m.)

ESCORT for Officers

As you are aware we have advised you vide our circular No.10 of 2013 dated 4^th September 2013, that the Bank has since agreed to revive the captioned scheme and would advise the required operational details. The Bank has now issued its circular No.BCC:BR:105:408 dated 19^th September 2013 advising officers who wish to become members of the Scheme, to submit an Irrevocable Letter of Authority authorizing the Bank to deduct from salary Rs.10/- per officer who dies in harness. In addition officers have to submit the irrevocable authority online through employee self service module in HRMS/HRness.

We appeal to all officers, including Executives to submit the Irrevocable Letter of Authority as per the proformashown on the reverse and also online through self service module in HRMS/HRness. This gesture on your part will go a long way to render help to the needy dependent family members of our officers who have been snatched away from our midst by the cruel hands of death.

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K. NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF AUTHORITY

PROFORMA

The Branch Manager/Chief Manager

Bank of Baroda

___________________ Branch / Office

Dear Sir,

Re: Voluntary scheme for contribution at the rate of Rs.10/- per deceased officer towards compensation to the family of an officers who dies in harness.

I am willing to contribute under the aforesaid scheme and accordingly hereby authorize the Bank to deduct from my salary an amount of rs.10/- per Officer who dies in harness, as my contribution towards compensation to the family of the deceased officer. I also authorize the Bank, if for some reasons such deduction is not made from my salary for the relevant month, the said amount may be deducted from my salary in the next month.

I hereby declare that this authority shall not be revoked by me.

Yours faithfully,

Name :____________________________

EC No. :___________________________

Designation:________________________

Branch/Office:______________________

Place: ____________________________

Date:___________________________

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO.22 OF 2013                                                                                                                                                    24^th September 2013

Dear Members,

A REPORT ON THE 58^TH CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING HELD

AT ALAPPUZHA, KERALA FROM 9^TH TO 11^TH JUNE 2013

Alappuzha – the Venice of the East

Alappuzha, popularly known as Venice of the East, is considered to be the oldest planned town in Kerala. Raja Kesava Das (1745-1799), who later became the Army Chief ofTravancoreKingdom, was the chief architect of modern day Alappuzha. Situated along the Arabian coast and surrounded by backwater and canals, Alappuzha is famous for its picturesque tourist spots and is one of the famous tourist attractions in the whole country.

The 58^th Central Committee Meeting of All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association was held at Pagoda Resorts, Alappuzha from 9^th to 11^th June 2013. The meeting, under the leadership and guidance of Shri K K Nair, the worthy General Secretary of the Association, witnessed a handful of events written in golden letters in the history of the Association.

The proceedings of the meeting were conducted in a professional and structured manner taking maximum advantage of the 3 days’ period from 9^th to 11^th June 2013. A team of senior leaders with the General Secretary Shri K K Nair at the helm and the leaders of the host, Tamilnadu and Kerala Zone as supporting hands managed the events systematically.

Inaugural Day – 9^th June 2013

Registration: Delegates of 58^th Central Committee Meeting comprised of the Zonal Secretaries, All India Office bearers and Central Committee Members registered themselves for the programme from 9.30 am onwards. A specially decorated elephant along with traditional ‘Panchavadyam’, a typical orchestra of 5 musical instruments assembled at the entrance of Pagoda Resorts to receive the distinguished guests.

Inauguration: Amidst festive ‘Panchavadyam’ and thundering applauses of the gathering, the Hon’ble dignitaries reached the venue by 11.00 am. Women members in traditional Kerala ‘Kasavu’ sarees offered the guests a warm welcome with lamps and flowers. General Secretary Shri K K Nair and the Zonal Secretaries greeted Shri S S Mundra, Bank’s Chairman and Managing Director, Shri S K Das, Chief General Manager (HRM), Shri V Sridharan, General Manager & Head of Tamilnadu and Kerala Zone, Shri S R Kamath, Dy. General Manager & Head of Kerala Region and other invitees and accompanied them to the stage.

INAUGURAL SESSION

The House unanimously decided to elect the Senior Central Committee Member Shri.A.N.Patil as the President. Besides the President and the Hon’ble guests, the dias of the colorfully decorated conference hall was occupied by our beloved General Secretary Shri K K Nair, the Director on Board of our Bank and Zonal Secretary (Maharashtra & Goa) Shri V B Chavan, Treasurer of the Association Shri Bharat More, Asstt. Secretary Shri Rama Murthy, Host Zone President Shri V Dinesh and Secretary Shri Virabadran.

The historic 58^th Central Committee Meeting commenced with the introductory address by Shri Virabadran, the Secretary, TNK Zone. Shri Virabadran in his speech, briefly narrated the history of the Association and its commitment for the business growth of the Bank as also the welfare of officers community under the visionary leadership of its General Secretary Shri K K Nair.

General Secretary of the Association, Shri K K Nair offered floral welcome to the chief guest Shri S S Mundra and the other guests and invited them all for lighting the traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of the 58^th Central Committee Meeting of the Association. Accepting the invitation, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Bank Shri S S Mundra lighted the traditional lamp and the other dignitaries joined him.

The General Secretary in his welcome address, recollected his association with Shri Mundra during his earlier innings in the Bank, before getting elevated as Executive Director of Union Bank of Indiaand shared our happiness on his homecoming as CMD of our Bank. As a responsible trade union practicing in letter and spirit the philosophy of ‘Grow with the Bank’, the Association is committed to fulfill the dream of CMD to take the Bank ‘Towards a Ten Trillion Bank’ by March 2014, the General Secretary added. Shri Nair expressed his gratitude to the CMD for the large number of promotions in various scales/grades that the Bank had released since the beginning of the current financial year. Shri K K Nair declared in the meeting that the Association will celebrate its Golden Jubilee Year from 12^th September 2013.

General Secretary Shri K K Nair thanked the CMD Shri S S Mundra for accepting the invitation of the Association to inaugurate the Central Committee Meeting and address the gathering. He offered the CMD a warm welcome to the meeting. He also extended warm welcome to Shri S K Das, Chief General Manager (HRM), Shri V Sridharan, General Manager & Zonal Head (TN & K), Shri S R Kamath, Dy. Gen. Manager & Regional Head (Kerala), other invitees and participants of the meeting.

Shri S S Mundra, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Bank and the Chief Guest of the function at the outset thanked Shri K K Nair and the Association for inviting him for the Alappuzha Central Committee Meeting. AIBOBOA which follows the slogan ‘Grow with the Bank’ has taken up the responsibility of coaching its members for taking the mother Bank to reach greater heights and as such an exception to other trade union organizations. CMD complemented Shri K K Nair for leading the oldest officers’ organization in banking industry for the last several decades with his matured leadership. He also placed on record the constructive role played by Shri V B Chavan as the representative of the Association in the meetings of Bank’s Board of Directors.

Shri Mundra congratulated the officers’ community in the Bank for their dedication, hardworking and determination through which the Bank could bring in excellent results during the FY ended March 2013.Reiterating the ‘Employee First’ philosophy, the CMD wished the employees to adopt ‘Customer First’ motto. While the Bank bagged a handful of prestigious awards during the previous year, its journey from ‘Good to Great’ could be made possible only by understanding ‘where we go and what our vision is’, he reminded the members. The commendable contribution extended by the branch heads in business growth of the Bank was applauded by the CMD and he announced that a scheme for incentivizing branch heads was progressing under the direct supervision of Chief General Manager (HRM).

The CMD shared his concern on growing NPA, lacking quality credit growth and slow growth in CASA business. He stressed the need for strict KYC compliance and financial inclusion. Realizing that the need of the hour is to create knowledge bankers in the system, Bank had appointed a General Manager as Chief Learning Officer, the CMD added. Shri Mundra called upon the officers to follow ‘5 Ps’ viz, Process, Pricing, Promotion, Policy, People as mantras to take the Bank to greater heights. Further, Shri Mundra advised the members to accord top priority in CASA growth, NPA recovery, Credit expansion in Retail, Agriculture and MSME sectors as also in maintaining asset quality during the current year. CMD concluded his address conveying his whole-hearted greetings for the smooth conduct of the 58^th Central Committee Meeting and he declared the meeting as inaugurated.

In response to the inspiring address delivered by the CMD, General Secretary assured full support of the Association in taking the Bank towards a Ten Trillion Bank by the end of next FY. General Secretary called upon the members to ensure consistent growth in Deposits and Advances by taking maximum advantage of the attractive and competitive features of our products. Shri Nair informed the CMD that an exclusive session was proposed during the course of meeting to discuss the strategies to be adopted for growth in CASA deposits, prevention and recovery of NPA, credit expansion and augmenting fee based income.

Shri Pooran Singh, Secretary (WUP & U Zone) proposed vote of thanks to the distinguished guests. The house thereafter adjourned for lunch.

POST LUNCH SESSION OF INAUGURAL DAY

The major event of the post lunch session of the first day was the address by Shri S K Das, Chief General Manager (HRM). Shri Das began his address with sincere gratitude to the Association for inviting him to attend the Central Committee Meeting. He thanked the Association for the excellent support extended by our Officers’ Association for creating peaceful and comfortable HR environment in the Bank. The CGM acknowledged the contribution of officers in elevating the Bank to the prime position in the industry and sought our continued cooperation for maintaining the position as also to transform the Bank into No. 1 in HR management. By presenting the statistics of promotions and recruitments that have taken place in the Bank in various cadres he stated that this trend would continue and adequate man power would be inducted in to the system in tune with the business growth so as to put an end to the hardship faced by the existing employees. Shri Das shared with the delegates the details of training programmes being implemented for grooming the employees and officers under SPARSH. Admitting the fact that the major reason for business loss is inconvenient postings of officers, he promised that the top management would finalize the transfer and promotion policies in consultation with the Association, so as to find a permanent solution. In the background of large number of retirements that will happen in near future, CGM called upon the members to prepare themselves for shouldering higher responsibilities for filling up the resultant vacancies.

Shri Das reiterated the need for proper KYC compliance in the Bank so as to get insulation for the Bank in general and the employees in particular from frauds. He suggested the Association to move ahead with ‘Vision 2020’ for benefiting the Bank and the Employees. Shri Das concluded his felicitation address by wishing all success for the Central Committee Meeting.

BUSINESS SESSION

Business session of the meeting commenced at 4.00 pm. Taking up the first item on Agenda the President Shri. A N Patil, called upon the General Secretary, Shri K K Nair to present the minutes of the previous Central Committee Meeting held on 10^th and 11^th March, 2012 at Surat.The General Secretary presented the minutes of the Central Committee Meeting held at Surat on 10^th & 11^th March,2012.After deliberations, the minutes were adopted by the house unanimously.

The President then took up the next agenda, “to review and discuss organisational matters since the last meeting and to take appropriate decisions”. The General Secretary apprised the House about various organisational developments since the last Central Committee Meeting, including growth of the organization, improved position on collection of membership, issues resolved etc. The house while appreciated the efforts put in by our Association to strengthen the organization further, also observed that the Bank had conducted promotion exercises in all cadres from Scale-I to Scale-VII during the review period and the chances for career elevations in the Bank have become bright. The mandatory rural and semi urban services should be completed by the Officers so as to satisfy the government guidelines in that regard. The meeting noted that the coaching classes and notes provided by the Association to the aspirants had been helpful for them to approach the promotion exercises confidently.

Detailed discussions took place on the recently amended Transfer Policy entered into between the management and our Association. The members appreciated the Policy with a loud applause. The General Secretary advised the Central Committee Members and Zonal Secretaries to expedite circulation of the booklet on Transfer Policy published by the Association, free of cost to each and every member, so as to enjoy its maximum benefits. The forum viewed that the new APAR system lack transparency and the same could be rectified by introducing a provision for Audit / Review and other measures such as right of appeal for the reviewee. The Treasurer Shri Bharat More presented the accounts for the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 which the house adopted unanimously.

Taking up the next agenda viz. “to review the current status of pending issues”, the General Secretary presented the status of issues pending with the Bank since the last structured meeting held on 19.7.2012.

Elaborate discussions were held in the meeting on revamping of Escorts scheme and the house urged the General Secretary to follow up the issue again with the management for early revival of the scheme. Likewise the house also desired early revival of structured meeting at Zonal level and Business Development meeting. Members also raised the issue regarding denial of officiating allowance to officers other than the branch heads on the basis of categorization norms and other entitlements such as denial of leave, shortage of manpower in the branches etc. The house desired to take up these issues once again. General Secretary stated that appropriate action has already been initiated on all these issues and efforts will be intensified. The House also desired early solution to Revival of Structured Meeting at Zonal level and Business Development Meeting.

General Secretary thereafter invited suggestions from the members on ‘Vision 2020’ as to how they propose to transform to cope up with the changing scenario. The strategies to educate the newly recruited officers must be formulated with special care, he added. Meeting discussed those issues in detail. Suggestions on the follow up action will be conveyed to the General Secretary for his doing the needful.

The General Secretary brought to the notice of the house that Association will be entering the Golden Jubilee Year on 12.9.2013.Detailed deliberations took place and the house unanimously decided to launch year long celebrations commencing from 12^th September, 2013. A large number of Central Committee Members participated in the discussion.

At the end, the Zonal Secretaries shared their thoughts on the deliberations and submitted their views. Thereafter it was decided:

• To celebrate Golden Jubilee of the Association in different parts of the country with variety of activities
• To conduct in depth study on various aspects of the new APAR system by gathering views of members at grass root level and come out with suggestions to make the same, simple and transparent.
• To conduct regular structured meetings at zonal/regional levels.
• To streamline the communication system with the members and make it strong and effective.
• To complete the fee collection by September 2013

With these, the President adjourned the house for the day.

BUSINESS SESSION CONTINUES ON SECOND DAY

The morning session of second day meeting started as per the schedule. The President advised General Secretary - Shri K K Nair to initiate discussions on agenda No:7 viz. “to discuss and initiate aggressive action plan for further qualitative growth of our Bank”. General Secretary initiated discussion on the agenda and advised that the house would be divided into 4 groups for conducting detailed discussions on the following important topics concerning the business development of the Bank.

• Mobilization of CASA deposits
• Credit off take in Agriculture and Retail segments
• NPA recovery and prevention of slippage
• Augmentation of fee based income

Accordingly, group discussions were held in an effective and fruitful manner under the supervision and guidance of Zonal Secretaries. Thereafter the team leaders submitted their views and recommendations to the panel of Zonal Secretaries. The Zonal Secretaries’ panel after scrutiny and value additions consolidated the observations into a report for onward submission to the management.

After tea break, the participants reassembled and discussed other issues. In reply to the issues raised, General Secretary made the following observations:

• Apprehensions of the members on the new APAR system need to be addressed by conducting thorough study, particularly on account of its impact on promotion. Leadership of the Association has already taken up the issue seriously with the management and held discussions.
• Instances of disciplinary actions against officers are growing and the concern of the officers in this regard have been taken up with the management
• Officers on the verge of 59 years would be posted at their place of choice as per the provisions of the transfer policy
• IT related issues like connectivity, hardware and other similar problems had been taken up with the top management and they assured that corrective actions would be taken to prevent such occurrences.

General Secretary reiterated the need for regular interaction with the DROs on an ongoing basis so as to bring them to the main stream and to develop confidence in them for building up a bright career in the bank. He also called upon the members to strengthen the organization by ensuring 100% of officers including DROs and Chief Managers become member of the Association. Programmes for Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Association must be held across the country in a befitting manner so as to make the celebrations a memorable one, he added.

General Secretary then proposed establishment of holiday homes in various parts of the country as a welfare activity for its members, which was applauded by the house. After detailed discussions, following Resolution was adopted unanimously:

“This 58^th meeting of the Central Committee of All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association held at Alappuzha from 9^th to 11^th June, 2013 hereby RESOLVES to establish holiday homes in various parts of the country as a welfare activity for its members.

The Committee also considered in this context a Note dated 10^th May, 2013 presented by the General Secretary for setting up a holiday home at Daman (UT). After detailed deliberations the Committee hereby RESOVES to set up a holiday home at Daman (UT). The meeting further RESOLVES to constitute a small committee consisting of General Secretary, three Zonal Secretaries of Gujarat State and one Zonal Committee member of South Gujarat Zone to deal with all matters pertaining to purchase of the property, its furnishing and other allied issues.

The meeting also RESOLVES to authorize the General Secretary to execute all the necessary documents for purchase of the property for the holiday home at Daman (UT) and authorize the President, General Secretary, Treasurer and Zonal Secretary of South Gujarat Zone to deal with all matters including mode of operation of the accounts standing in the name of holiday home at Daman (UT). The meeting also decided to open more holiday homes at Vrindavan (UP), Mahakaleshwar (MP) and other such tourist centres across the country. The house also RESOLVED to set up a Training Institution in Greater Mumbai Zone.”

While discussing Bank’s Welfare fund scheme, members opined that the Scheme needs improvement and a small committee of the Association was constituted to formulate recommendation on various welfare schemes under this fund. Elaborate discussions were held in the matter and the house empowered the small committee to submit the recommendations to the management and pursue the same. The General Secretary apprised the house that an amount of Rs.10 crore was transferred to the welfare fund during the previous year, as a result of the concerted efforts put in by the Association.

POST LUNCH SESSION OF SECOND DAY

The major attraction of the post lunch session of the second day of the Conference was the address to the house by Dr. G Sanjeeva Reddy Ex-MP, the Hon’ble President of INTUC – INBOC and Shri R Chandrasekharan, Kerala State INTUC President. The function began with the introductory remarks by Shri R K Chatterjee, Zonal Secretary (BOJ Zone). He recalled the wholehearted support extended by Dr. Reddy during the last wage revision settlement in banking industry. Expressing the deep gratitude of the Association to Dr. Reddy for making it convenient to grace the meeting with his valuable presence, he thanked Dr Reddy for extending his helping hand to UFBU as a whole and INBOC in particular for resolving various burning issues concerning bank employees. Shri Chatterjee also shared his happiness with Shri Chandrasekharan in having accepted the invitation and attended the meeting.

Shri K K Nair, General Secretary, wholeheartedly welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy and Madam Reddy to the 58^th Central Committee Meeting. He recollected the tiresome efforts put in by Dr. Reddy during the various stages in the wage revision discussions alongwith General Secretary that finally led to an excellent Settlement as also getting a second option to employees who did not opt for pension earlier, to join the pension Scheme. Shri Nair also extended warm welcome to Shri Chandrasekharan, State INTUC president to the Conference.

Shri R Chandrasekharan, Kerala State INTUC President in his address to the delegates remarked that the members assembled in the meeting were blessed with

the presence of Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy, who was the mastermind behind a number of welfare measures adopted by the Government during past several years, benefitting hundreds of thousands of workers and employees of the Country. He stated that Shri K K Nair has been a great negotiator in banking industry during the last few decades. Though INTUC as the trade union wing of ruling congress party intended to run its movements in close coordination with the Government, its negative attitudes on certain issues concerning workforce in the country necessitated resorting to agitation, he added. Shri Chandrasekharan condemned the anti-employee attitude of the Government and warned them of dire consequences if the same were continued. INTUC Kerala State President shared his seamless happiness in the Association for organizing its Central Committee Meeting in God’s own land, Kerala and wished the meeting all success.

Dr. G Sanjeeva Reddy expressed his great pleasure in attending the programme conducted in Alappuzha, a historically important city ofKerala. Dr. Reddy viewed that the Bank Employees in the country were passing through a crucial time on account of the wage revision talks that were going on with IBA and he implored various trade unions in the industry to shoulder higher responsibilities for achieving a good wage revision settlement. While showering confidence on Shri Nair as a strong negotiator capable to gain a reasonably good settlement, Dr. Reddy offered his unstinted support wherever needed. While the Government and IBA went back from the promises made during the earlier settlements and when the INBOC General Secretary Shri K K Nair sought support, there was no second thought to intervene in the matter. The meetings he had along with Shri Nair, with Finance Minister and Prime Minister finally paved the way in finalization of an enviable wage revision settlement, he added. INTUC President informed the members that he had already held preliminary discussions with other trade union leaders in the country to evolve a common strategy for the wage revision talks of Bank employees and officers.

In view of the large number of vacancies prevailing in various sectors and huge work load of existing employees, INTUC had proposed to the government to increase the retirement age to 65 years, Dr. Reddy stated. Bank nationalization in 1969 was a revolutionary decision by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi with a great vision for the economic and social development of the country. INTUC President condemned the recent decision of the present Government to re-open the banking industry to private sector by inviting application from large corporate houses for banking license. This would lead to unrest in banking industry and adverse impacts on the financial sector, he added. Dr. Reddy concluded his address, pleading the members to stand united under the able leadership of Shri K K Nair, for a good wage revision settlement and service conditions.

Shri V Dinesh, Zonal President of the host Zone, proposed vote of thanks to Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy, Madam Reddy and Shri R Chandrasekharan and the meeting adjourned for tea to meet again for discussion of other items in the agenda.

EVENING SESSION OF THE SECOND DAY

The President called the meeting to order, after a short tea break, to continue discussions on the remaining agenda items viz. “ to review the bipartite talks with IBA for wage revision and to consider management issues given by IBA for bipartite discussions.” To begin with, General Secretary reminded the members that the first and foremost issue concerning the bank men in the country is the wage revision. In order to create awareness amongst the members and to invite their suggestions, Association has brought out a booklet on the charter of demands submitted by INBOC. He informed the members that INBOC is the only constituent in UFBU that demanded parity in service conditions for officers in PSBs with State Bank of India. During the discussions we had earlier, IBA proposed to segregate officers into -2- groups, viz. Scale-I to Scale-III and Scale IV to Scale-VII and that, negotiations with the unions will be confined only in respect of officers in the 1^st group. Further, IBA insisted to impose fixed and variable pay concepts as also CTC concept. This would complicate and delay the wage revision talks. Shri Nair informed the members that the UFBU rejected all these anti employee proposals. Members in one voice endorsed the stand of UFBU.

General Secretary further informed the members that our apex organization, INBOC has taken a firm stand on introduction of 5 day week, regulated working hours, restoration of compassionate recruitment, increase in retirement age to 65 years etc and that the organization would fight strongly at all levels for achieving these goals. The General Secretary also brought to the notice of the house that INTUC is holding its 30^th plenary session in Raipur from 6^th to 10^th September,2013, where a large number of issues of the industrial working classes will be discussed.

The House also noted the successful trade union action programme launched by INTUC alongwith other central trade unions in February,2013. The proceedings on the 2^nd day concluded and the house was adjourned for the next day.

VALEDICTORY SESSION

Yet another major event on the 3^rd day of the Central Committee Meeting was the august presence of the Executive Director of the Bank Shri Ranjan Dhawan, who reached Alappuzha at the invitation of the Association to offer valedictory address. Zonal Manager (TN&K) Shri V Sridharan and the Regional Head (Kerala) Shri S R Kamath were also present in the function.

Valedictory session commenced with the welcome address by the General Secretary. Shri K K Nair conveyed warm greetings to the chief guest of the day, Shri Ranjan Dhawan, the Executive Director. He thanked the ED for making it convenient to visit Alappuzha for addresssing the members of the Central Committee. The General Secretary was confident that Shri Ranjan Dhawan with his vast experience in different areas of banking would play a lead role in taking the Bank to greater heights. While offering complete support of the Association in the endeavor of the top management for business development of the Bank and to retain the top position amongst the commercial banks, Shri Nair shared with the ED, the hardships faced by officers due to late sitting on all working days as also working on holidays and Sundays. Wherever such working of officers on holidays and Sundays are unavoidable, the same should be adequately compensated through monetary benefit as well as compensatory off, he added. Shri Nair offered a warm welcome to Shri Ranjan Dhawan, Shri V Sridharan and Shri S R Kamath to the meeting.

Shri Ranjan Dhawan in his valedictory address applauded the philosophy of the Association, ‘Grow with the Bank’, which had taken the Bank to an enviable second position among the commercial banks in the country after SBI. He informed the members that the shortage of staff in the bank and the consequential difficulties faced by the officers were being taken care of by the top management and the continuous process of new recruitment that was in full swing would bring proper solution for the same. During the current year bank had recruited 3500 clerks and an equal number of officers and this process would continue. Shri Dhawan informed the members that there are ample opportunities for the employees for career elevation and it would be possible for a clerk in the Bank to reach upto the level of CMD which is not available in any other industry than in banking. ED called upon the members to substantially increase the share of CASA deposit by exploiting the advantage of thrust given in promotion of alternate delivery channels. He advised the participants to create awareness among the officers to be more vigilant while discharging their duties and acquire proper product knowledge, which would go a long way to avoid hardships on account of slippage, NPA recovery, frauds, disciplinary action, vigilance enquiry etc. ED categorically stated that the Bank’s policy was to provide maximum comforts to officers and executives by accommodating them at convenient places so as to make them more productive. Before concluding his address, Shri Dhawan interacted with the members and gave clarifications on various queries raised by them.

In response to the thoughts shared by the ED, the General Secretary informed that the undue thrust given by the Bank in the past to sell third party products, particularly India First Life Insurance products, has adversely impacted the concentration for selling Bank’s own primary products. He appealed to the ED to pay adequate attention in ensuring transparency in performance review system, as the rating score is closely linked to the career aspiration of each officer. Shri Nair promised full support of officers for the business development of the Bank.

Shri Prem Makker, Zonal Secretary (NZ) proposed vote of thanks to the dignitaries.

CONCLUDING SESSION

The concluding session was held during the post lunch assembly on the third day. Officers, who served the Association in the capacity of Central Committee Members but now stepped down from the positions on account of their elevation as Chief Managers, were honored by the General Secretary. General Secretary greeted them all by offering shawls and thanked them profusely for their valuable contributions to the Association while holding the office. Shri Nair appreciated and congratulated members of the Zonal Committee (TN & Kerala) and Regional Committee of Kerala Region, for the excellent arrangements made during the meeting and making this meeting the most memorable Central Committee Meeting.

The President thereafter, declared the 58^th Central Committee Meeting held at Alappuzha officially as concluded.

Keeping in mind the hope for a promising future and with full of glittering memories in heart, the participants of the 58^th Central Committee Meeting of the Association bid good bye to the city of 5 ‘C’s – Coconuts, Coir, Canals, Country Boats & Culture – Alappuzha, in the God’s own land, Kerala.

With greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K. NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

 PLEAES CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO. 21 OF 2013                                                                                                                                      12^th September,2013

Dear Members,

Overtake those who have overtaken us

Let us plunge into action

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We are happy to inform that Business Development Committee Meeting in vogue in our bank few years ago, now stands revived. The first meeting of the revived committee was held in BCC, Mumbai, on 11^th September,2013.The meeting was attended by Shri S.S.Mundra, our bank’s Chairman & Managing Director,S/Shri P.Srinivas, Ranjan Dhawan & B.B.Joshi, Executive Directors, S/Shri S.K.Das Chief General Manager(HRM), Dr K.S. Rao, General Manager(SP & PB) & CIO, K.B.Gupta, Executive Secretary to CMD, J.Rajkumar,Dy..General Manager(HRM), P.K.Roy, Dy.General Manager(SP & PB), V.Prasad, Manger(PB) & Dr Chirag Bhatt, Manager(SP). The undersigned alongwith Shri R.K.Chatterjee, representing our Association and S/Shri Milind Nadkarni and Vineet Saxena, representing All India Bank of Baroda Employees’ Federation, S/Shri Amrit Lal and P.R.Thorat, representing All India Bank of Baroda Employees’ Co-ordination Committee, attended this meeting.

Shri S.K.Das, CGM(HRM), welcomed the participants aptly mentioning this meeting as an historic event revived after almost a decade to encourage wider participation of employee organizations in the development of business of the Bank. Subsequently, a presentation was made by Dr.K.S.Rao, GM (SP & PB) & CIO, giving a vivid business profile of our Bank during the last three years and emphasizing the immediate priorities.

CMD, in his opening address, expressed happiness for initiating the process of enhanced participation of employee organizations in the development of the bank. He drew the attention of the participants on five strategic priorities for the bank viz -

• o Getting asset quality back on keel.
• o Business growth with wider retail franchise- Assets and Liabilities.
• o Differentiations through ADCs.
• o Stepping up CCG- Control, Compliance & Governance.
• o HR balancing and leveraging new and old.

CMD emphasized that while our bank is doing well on standalone basis, the pace of growth of peer banks happens to be ahead of our bank and it is a matter of concern.

While the business fundamentals over years are looking good, in some of the key parameters, other banks are gradually overtaking our bank putting further stiff challenges before all of us to grow in tandem with the peer banks and eventually overtake them to regain our leadership position.

CMD mentioned that during the year FY 2011, our bank progressed well but thereafter has been slowing down, especially in the area of resources deployment, resulting in the drop in NIM. Our bank’s domestic business growth has slowed down and we are gradually slipping as compared to a few large banks. This necessitates increasing CASA growth.

With huge customer base, our branches must utilize their relationship for cross-selling / up-selling to existing customers besides activating dormant accounts and canvassing retail loan products. On asset quality, the CMD said that NPA level in our Bank is a matter of serious concern. Comparing the performance of our Bank on asset quality and restructured accounts with other peer banks, the CMD emphasized the need for more concerted efforts for improving the overall asset quality with a greater involvement of employees at all levels. Thereafter, the CMD requested the participants to join in the interactive open house session.

The representatives of the three organisations of employees thanked CMD for the revival of the Business Development Committee. Sharing the concern expressed by the CMD on business growth, we proposed certain action points. Most important action points suggested by us are given hereunder:

1. The bank lost a lot of business during the last one year. We need to recapture it to improve our market share.

2. Identify stagnant, negative growth and loss making branches and revive these branches quickly so that momentum of growth can be accelerated.

3. Customer service must improve. Root cause analysis of complaints must be made, so as to frame appropriate guidelines to improve customer service.

4. Involve staff at all levels to mop up incremental rise in business.

5. Product awareness amongst employees must be ensured.Toward this, special training programmes be conducted.

6. Build team spirit at branch level and inculcate our bank’s culture and ethos in the mind of new staff members to build up strong relationship.

7. Identify a few branches in each area to canvass Government business to compete with other banks, not with our own branches.

8. Develop relationship for canvassing business from growing number of pensioners.

9. Give priority to retail business, improving asset quality, inculcating the habit of recovery of dues and refocusing attention towards quality of functioning of our branches.

10.Staff attached to Advances department must actively engage themselves in canvassing deposit accounts of borrowers and their family members.

11.Advances department officials need to scrutinise the Balance Sheet to identify whether the borrower is maintaining current account with other banks and if so, specific steps should be taken to ensure that all their operations are routed through our Bank and not with other banks.

12.Metro centres may have reached a level of saturation in housing loans. Therefore, we should look for alternate centres in the outskirts of metro and Tier: II Centres for canvassing housing loan accounts.

13.Large number of frauds take place in auto loan accounts and hence should be handled with additional care.

14.To enhance retail product selling, the bank need to give special thrust at rural area.

15.Staff should be engaged for cash recovery in NPA accounts. They need to be reimbursed expenses incurred for follow up.

16.The Bank should make available the list of all NPA accounts with limit up to Rs 5,00,000 to enable employees to put their concerted efforts.

17.Avoid slippage. The concerned officials must be vigilant and active for timely recovery of interest, loan installment etc.

18.A strict monitoring mechanism has to be put in place to obtain feedback, which would entail timely action at branch/region level and will reduce incidence of NPA besides preventing slippages.

19.Bank should open branches only on ground floor to enable physically challenged persons to visit branches.

20.Bank should also open more bio-metric ATMs for physically handicapped persons. Due publicity be given for this initiative.

21.Business Development Committee Meeting should be organized at Zonal level on a quarterly basis.

22.Branch meetings should be held at regular intervals to explain new schemes of the bank and to emphasize on management priorities and compliance requirements.

Shri Joshi, ED in his remark stated that for improving retail loan portfolio branches must resort to strong due diligence. Grass root functionaries must improve their product knowledge for effective marketing of products. He also emphasized the need for better credit monitoring for arresting slippages. Concurring with the views of the CMD, Shri P Srinivas, ED stated that one of the concerns of the bank is rising NPA level, especially, accounts below Rs 5 lacs. With a view to recover bank’s dues, the ED desired immediate need to improve personal contacts /visits to customers. Another concern is the low level of sensitivity towards compliance that needs to be improved by each employee at every level. The ED also felt that incidences of frauds are on rise and consequently amount of provision is also increasing. He felt that there is an urgent need to institutionalize the system of ‘Whistle blower’ at branch level as a preventive action.

In his concluding address, the CMD thanked the office bearers for their participation in the Business Development Meeting and specified the following action points:

• o Recover dues from Small NPA account below Rs 5 lac.
• o Revival of dormant accounts with balance of Rs 5000 and above.
• o Deepening of existing deposit accounts, which were having substantial balances in the accounts but now have reduced operations.
• o Canvass for taking over of home loan account with proper due diligence.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Shri Ranjan Dhawan, Executive Director, preceded by his statement on product awareness, need for canvassing debit cards for all active Savings Bank account holders and urgency for recovery of dues.

Friends, we must rise up as one man and make all efforts to recover dues in all NPA accounts below Rs.5 lacs, revive dormant accounts with balance of Rs.5000/- and above, increase the balances in the existing deposit accounts and increase home loan portfolio. We must take it as a challenge; commence vigorous campaigns and realise the business expectations of our Bank. Remember, Success comes only to those who dare and act. We have proved it in the past; let us prove it again. Let us plunge into action. Success shall abide by us.

With best wishes and greetings,

Yours sincerely,

(K.K.NAIR)

GENERAL SECRETARY

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONGST OFFICER-COLLEAGUES

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CIRCULAR TO MEMBERS NO. 20 OF 2013                                                                                                                                   12^th September 2013

Dear Members,

Let us flag off the Golden Jubilee

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People rarely remember the credentials conferred or the money or reward earned. What they remember is the care that is bestowed on them and the genuine concern shown when in need. All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association has been the epitome of CARE and CONCERN steadfastly in its 50 years of glorious journey and yeoman services rendered to the officers’ community in our Bank. Friends, it is a proud moment for all of us officers, present and the past, in Bank of Baroda to flag off the golden jubilee of AIBOBOA on 12^th September 2013.

The tall order of care and concern, struggle and sacrifice, conflict and participation and unflinching commitment not only to the officers’ cause but also to Bank’s growth have been the hallmark of our Association ever since the seed was sown by our Founder Late Shri K C Chokshi on 12^th September 1964. When trade union movement in the banking sector to protect the rights of officers was not even an idea, it was this visionary who pioneered this movement and laid a strong foundation. Let us salute him on this auspicious day!

The seed so sown in Bombay took deep roots in Baroda and spread its branches all over the country. The growth of our Association was not a cake-walk and the path trodden was not littered with roses but was paved by sacrifices and sweat, shed by dare-devil activists over the years. It is their perseverance and strong faith in the cause that saw us sail through turbulent times and write every milestone of our illustrious history in red letters. It is our bounden duty to remember and thank those little recognized, yet zealously committed warriors on this day!

Young officers who have seen mostly the good times need to know and acknowledge that the fruits that we all savour today are not reaped with a magic wand but are the result of great struggles, sacrifices, skillful negotiations and continuous persuasion of issues in yester years. From salary revisions to perks, HRA, Residential accommodation, medical benefits to loans for every reason, PF to DROs from the day of joining to take over of educational loan of campus recruitees, the best of the industry is available to officers today, thanks to the Association.

Be it the Promotion Policy to meet the career aspirations of officers or the Transfer Policy to ensure family comfort, the stellar role of the Association cannot be forgotten. In its quest to financially support the bereaved families of officers, the organization even thought beyond to introduce a unique scheme of ESCORTS for officers. The pivotal role played by the Association in business growth of the Bank is also well recognized in the participative management practiced in the past and in revival of Business Development Committees in the present.

The history of the Association is strewn with achievements that have no parallel in the Bank Officers’ movement. We had our fair share of dilemmas and predicaments too. But we are fortunate to have tall leaders to steer us clear in such testing circumstances. One such leader is Shri Sanjeeva Reddy, President of INBOC and INTUC who has always lent his mighty shoulders in our support. We also received the best understanding and support from the successive leaders of our Bank, exemplifying the sagacity of our top management.

Our Association also has the unique distinction of remaining united as a single force for the past 50 years! We thank the entire officers’ community for their maturity of purpose, which is a rarity. We have yet another rare distinction of grooming industry leaders in our cradle. Many of our stalwarts have graduated to hold distinguished positions of Executive Director, Chairman & Managing Director and Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India and have contributed / continue to contribute significantly to the banking industry. We are proud of their association with our Association which will greatly motivate younger generation not only in their career but also in standing up for their rights.

Friends, on this momentous occasion when we look back with immense satisfaction at the tall achievements, let us stride ahead unflinchingly with the resolve to remain ever vigilant and enterprising in assiduously protecting our legitimate rights and passionately taking our Bank’s banner to new heights.