History of AIUCBOF

Days of Agony & Uncertainty: The Identity Crisis

Before 1964 the Officers of The United Commercial Bank Ltd. had no platform of their own to ventilate their grievances and frustrations as well as to establish their rights and privileges although workmen in the banks, since independence, could consolidate leading to their collective bargaining power for better pay scales and service conditions. Bank Officers in those days also were termed as white coloured employees and treated as privileged class. But, they were dependent on the mercy of the management and had to remain content with whatever little offered to them. They were forced to bear with all sorts of humiliation at the hands of bank management. No voice of protest could be raised as they were not united. In reality, they were a suffocated and depressed class. Identity crisis loomed large and the Officers were wandering in a cul-de-sac.

Longing for Identity: The Birth of a Dream

Bernard Shaw said "Men can not live by bread alone'. Officers of The United Commercial Bank Ltd., were no exception. They had permanent job and acceptable means of livelihood to maintain their family, but not a separate identity desperately longed for. But, the trap of temptation and allurement laid by bank management divided the officers and acted as the stumbling block between Officers' dream for unification and formation of their own organisation. The dream for identity and unification and lust for freedom could not remain suppressed for long time and it got transformed into reality when few leaders like Mr. H P Das of Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta), Mr. B R Tripathi of Ahmedabad, Mr. J L Talwar and Mr. D R Kapoor of Delhi, Mr. M G Desai of Mumbai and Com. H P Saxena of Punjab had taken the initiative to organise their colleagues in the respective centres and decided to form an Association exclusively for the Officers to cater to their needs and requirements.
Then came the august moment of 1964 to see the birth of All India United Commercial Bank Officers' Federation (AIUCBOF) at 8, Amortalla Street, Kolkata. Since then AIUCBOF stands as a symbol of aspiration and ambition of the Officers of the bank. The first President and General Secretary of Federation were Com. H P Saxena of Punjab and Com. H P Das of West Bengal respectively.

First Charter of Demands & Removal of Anomaly

Immediately after its formation, Federation submitted its first charter of demands to the bank demanding

• (i) Revision of pay scales and better service conditions;
• (ii) Fair and uniform promotion policy;
• (iii) Fixation of working hours and
• (iv) Security of services.

Through persistent efforts of Federation, the pay scales were revised twice in 1966 and 1967 and certain fringe benefits were extended to the Officers.
Federation raised the issue of anomaly arising out of unscientific pay scale revision during 1963-67. The Bank initially turned it down. Subsequently, the management could find logic in Federation's demand and DA of Officers was linked to the cost of living index. There was substantial rise in the total emoluments of Officers from 1st January 1969 and anomalies were also removed to a greater extent.

Efforts for Consolidation & Success

The long cherished dream of bank employees and officers as well as common citizens of the country could see the light of the day when The United Commercial Bank Ltd. along with 13 other major banks was nationalised on 19th July 1969. The bank nationalisation ushered in a new era of development and progress for the nation and defined a changed role of the bank officers and employees. The bank nationalisation acted as a booster to the movement of bank officers and employees.

The year 1970 saw the following significant achievements of the Federation:-

• i. Membership from all over India;
• ii. New State Units of Federation;
• iii. A comprehensive and scientific Charter of demands and a settlement
• iv. Bargaining power on behalf of the Officers.

Identity Crisis Continues

Inspite of best efforts rendered by the Federation leadership for a period of over sixteen years or so, the identity crisis of officers continued and problems of officers got aggravated in eighties as workmen led officers' organisations were formed in various States and they were directly pampered by the bank management with a view to destabilising our Federation and throttle the movement of the officers of the bank led by our Federation. Management resorted to blatant violation of various policy guidelines including Transfer and Promotion Policy. Transfer, which affects the life of an officer more than anything else, was done on pick and choose basis depending on the whims of the bank management. The officers were harassed and punished according to the sweet will of the management.

Struggle Leads to Consolidation & Success

The year 1984 shall always be reckoned as a milestone in the history of Federation. Federation under the leadership of Com. S Roy Choudhury, as General Secretary, organised various organisational action programmes throughout the country to press for some vital demands of the officers. At the call of the Federation officers went on a mass casual leave State-wise, which was a unique programme. By plunging into organisational action officers, all over the country, became united and militant. Federation's mission to consolidate the officers to establish their distinct identity started finding success.

Sun Shines on a Rainy Day

Prolonged organisational action programme including mass casual leave by officers could provide the necessary jerk to the bank management to wake them up from their slumber. They were forced to sit for negotiation on 4th, 5th and 6th June 1984. While there was torrential rain outside and the entire BBD Bagh area was virtually submerged under water, the negotiation met tremendous success and Federation was recognised as the sole bargaining body for the Officer Community of the bank. Many vital issues affecting the service conditions and career progression of officers such as administrative protection to officers against personal threats and intimidation, stoppage of management connivance with workmen in violating norms of discipline, uniform financial and non-financial accountability at all levels of administrative set-up, optimum working condition and proper staffing at branches and administrative offices, non-discrimination in disciplinary matters, declaration of vacancy, removal of anomaly, release of conveyance reimbursement scheme as per IBA guidelines, housing accommodation to all officers etc. were discussed and negotiated. Federation also demanded for immediate framing of Transfer and Placement Policy for officers. Salient features of Transfer Policy were framed on the negotiation table. It was also agreed for the first time that the principal Office Bearers of Federation viz. President, General Secretary, Organising Secretary and Treasurer would be exempted from transfer. The agreement of 1984 continues to remain as a memorable milestone in the history of Federation because keeping in view Federation's majority status Bank agreed to consult/negotiate with the Federation in respect of all policy matters concerning officers in the Bank.

Agitation for Restoration of Pride, Self Respect & Prestige of Officers

Although landmark agreement was signed by the Management with our Federation in June 1984 to formulate various policy guidelines and also to improve working environment at work places, act of gross indiscipline by a section of the employees pampered by the Management did not stop. On 18.6.1986, one of our staunch and loyal Comrade G Ramakrishna Rao of Andhra Pradesh was attacked with acid due to his sincere discharge of duties as Enquiry Officer in Domestic Enquiry. At the direction of Federation, its AP Unit went on one day lightening strike and CMD was forced to send one General Manger to resolve the crisis. The affected officer was sanctioned Special Leave with full salary for almost ten years, which is a record in the history of Banking Industry.

In the year 1989 Federation launched countrywide organisational action programme against gross indiscipline, which included use of abusive and filthy language and manhandling of officers at work places vis-à-vis management inaction to curb indiscipline. Federation demanded proper working conditions at workplaces for desired result and output. The agitation continued for about one month and the management was forced to initiate action against delinquent employees. Instructions were issued to Zonal Managers to curb indiscipline including manhandling and use of abusive language. Thereafter, working conditions at work places started improving resulting in restoration of confidence, self-respect and dignity of the officers.

Officers' Rights & Privileges through Consolidation & Agitation

Any Trade Union is recognised and respected by its striking power. Drive for consolidation and organisational action programmes undertaken by Federation since eighties had resulted in formulation of various bilateral documents thereby improving the service conditions of the Officers to a great extent. Along with framing of various policy guidelines Federation ensured strict observance of the provisions of the policies. Some of the important achievements were framing of Promotion Policy, full-fledged Transfer Policy, Integration of Agricultural Field Officers and Chief Cashiers in the main stream, Removal of anomaly in fitment at regular interval, Selection of Officers under Segment Specialisation, Regular IRMs at apex level as well as Regional level etc.

Wage Freeze and formation of UFBU

Govt. Nominee on the Bank's Board mooted approval for wage freeze in the Board meeting held on 31.1.1997. In spite of stiff opposition from the Officer Director and the workmen Director the proposal was accepted by the Board. Both the representatives jointly protested against this move in writing. At the call of the Federation, all the units sent telegram protesting against this move to Executive Director who was holding the temporary charge of Chairman. Federation took up the matter with AIBOC and AIBOC contacted all the Central Trade Unions in Calcutta. Federation also contacted all the unions of our Bank and staged a massive demonstration in front of our Bank on 3.2.1997 and the gathering was addressed by all the central leadership of AIBOC, AIBEA, BEFI, AIBOA and others and thereafter, in a joint deputation to Executive Director, all the Unions voiced their strong protest against Bank's action. Subsequently, on the next Board meeting i.e. on 19.2.1997 all unions in our Bank sent a joint deputation to the members of the Board and demanded withdrawal of the proposal of Wage Freeze. The Board withdrew their proposal of Wage Freeze. The unified struggle of officers and employees could repulse the ill designed move of the management and the Government.

Although UFBU was formally formed on 13.3.1997 but its actual formation was on 3.2.1997 when all the Central Trade Unions of Public Sector Banks came together to protest against the wage freeze in our Bank.

Strategic Revival Plan & Role of Federation

Bank's health started deteriorating since 1989, which became a matter of concern to all concerned including Federation. It had initiated number of steps to improve the health of the Bank. In the year 1997, a Strategic Revival Plan or SRP was drawn and a MoU was signed between the Bank and its all-participating Unions in presence of the then Hon'ble Union Finance Minister Mr. P Chidambaram. SRP entailed lot of sacrifices on the part of the Bank Officers and employees, mainly the Officers. Federation had taken the lead role in bank's revival programme by way of motivating the Officers to plunge into action to improve the functioning of the bank in various fields such as house-keeping, NPA recovery, deposit mobilisation, deployment of credit etc. The efforts of all including Federation has ultimately paid dividend. Now, Bank's performance in various areas of operation has improved to a considerable extent and Bank has been earning net profit for the last four consecutive years. Moreover, Bank could come out from the 'Weak' stigma labelled on it.

Struggles against Severe Repressive Measurers & Attempts to Split the Head Office

During the period of SRP, Bank Management not only unleashed severe repressive measures on its Officers but was hell bent to split the Head Office in the name of formation of Local Head Offices (LHO) at Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai also. Show-cause memos and charge sheets were served in numbers on Officers throughout the country. Keeping in view the SRP, Federation resorted to a tactical battle. First, it impressed upon the Bank Management to shower down the accountability so that poor branch managers are not punished for whatever omission or commission. Along with organisational action programme Federation, through its Units, was successful to create public opinion, particularly the opinion of those, which matter, against formation of LHO. Federation on account of consolidation, militancy and determination of its members, could fight such a difficult battle virtually alone and ultimately, could emerge victorious. The struggle against formation of LHO continues to remain as a landmark in the annals of Federation and a source of inspiration to the Officer Community of our Bank.

Struggle in the Post Reforms Era

The officers and employees of the Public Sectors particularly those of Public Sector Banks came under intense attacks from all quarters since 1991 when economy was opened up and reforms in financial sector was launched stage by stage i.e. first generation and second generation reforms. The entire workforce of Public Sector Banks was termed as inefficient and incompetent to face the scenario emerging from stiff competitive market and technology up-gradation.

As a sequence to attacks of reforms, Voluntary Retirement Scheme was introduced in the year 2000 in all the Public Sector Banks. UFBU, as the umbrella organisation of the Officers and Workmen of all Public Sector Banks, opposed VRS, as it was an attempt towards de-unionisation. Our Federation could perceive the situation in a very well thought manner as VRS would lead to a clash between organisational ideals and individual aspirations. Attempts to foil VRS failed in all Banks. However, in our Bank, owing to foresight of Federation, relation between the Organisation and VRS optees never became bitter at any point of time as happened in case of many other Banks.

Federation had also comprehended that only consolidation and militancy of its members would not be sufficient to face the intense attacks of reforms. Federation initiated measures to change the mind-set of the Officers.

In his report placed in the 4th Triennial Conference held at Patna in the year 2000 before the Delegate Session Com. S Roy Choudhury, General Secretary, gave a clarion call to the Officer Community of the Bank to

• i. Consolidate, both in thought and action.
• ii. Combat reforms attacks by acquiring efficiency.
• iii. Improve knowledge base of officers and workforce.
• iv. Participate in social work thereby bridging the gap between the common mass and us.

The foresight and organizational perception of Federation enabled the officers of the Bank to face the situation of acute shortage of officers arising from introduction of VRS as well emerge as competent, proficient and skilled officer in the post-reforms era.

Planned Management Attack on Federation

About two and half years period from December 2004 to July 2007 saw severe attack on our Federation, its Units and members with a view to weakening and destabilizing our Organization and promoting and pampering of minority officers' organization. There were large-scale violations of Transfer Policy and other bilateral agreements. Nepotism and favouritism reached its zenith. Management stooped so low to mislead even Board of Directors in order to bestow undue favour to its favourites in the name of Personnel Promotion. Bank's environment was vitiated and officers across the country were frustrated and highly charged. Federation was compelled to resort to oraganisational action programmes time and again. When tolerance crossed all limits, Federation decided to go for cluster of states-wise strike actions in phases. As the CMD was due to retire and incoming CMD requested Federation to put on hold the strike action, Federation put the entire organizational action programme in abeyance. The then Bank Management's design to weaken and destabilize Federation totally failed due to organizational might of Federation and its affiliates and cent percent devotion and commitment of members for the cause of the Organisation.

Strong Action against Organizational Indiscipline

For the first time in its history, Federation was pained to disaffiliate its Orissa Unit in 2004 and then Delhi Unit in 2005 due to organizational indiscipline. The leadership of these two erstwhile Units of Federation fell to the trap of Management with a belief that Management would crush Federation during the period from December 2004 to July 2007 when severe repressive measures were unleashed on Federation. However, after disaffiliation of these Units, Officers of Orissa and Delhi formed their own Associations and got affiliated to Federation.

Neglect of Officers' Cause Leads to IR Crisis

After new CMD took over the reins of the Bank from August 2008, the IR relation with Federation was repaired and normalcy restored. In 2008, Bank decided to form Office of the Field General Managers at 9 places. After discussion with Federation, Bank decided that FGM Offices would not be empowered with powers relating to personnel and vigilance matter. However, lot many issues of Federation having financial implications such as improvement in conveyance reimbursement scheme, furniture & fixtures to officers, increase in rental ceiling for metro cities, entertainment expenses for all officers etc. remained pending for a considerable period of time. Federation was compelled to launch organizational action programmes including strike action. Management could comprehend the gravity of the situation and agreed before RLC to resolve our issues. The issues got resolved in subsequent IR Meeting.

Continued Apathy to Issues of Officers Leads to IR Crisis

After the new Chairman & Managing Director and Executive Directors took over the rein of the Bank in 2010, Federation expected resolution of its issues with healthy IR climate. But, in reality, it did not happen. Certain basic issues, which include acute shortage of manpower at all cadres in branches and offices, extensive deregulated working hours forcing officers to work extra hours and to work on Sundays/Holidays on regular basis, non-removal of fitment anomaly, arbitrary actions of Disciplinary & Appellate Authorities, problems of currency chest branches, pampering and promoting of minority officers' organization forced Federation to launch two successive agitations; one in 2011 and another in 2012, which included among other programmes strike actions. Some of the issues could be resolved in Conciliation Meetings before RLC followed by IR Meetings with Bank. However, Bank continued to remain unmindful of large numbers of issues of officers.

Implementation of Management Relation Policy

Persistent efforts of Federation could ultimately force Bank to implement Management Relation Policy for Officers and Industrial Relation Policy for Workmen w.e.f. April, 2013. According to MR Policy the Bank will have three (3) tiers Management Relation Structure for Officers:

    a. At Head Office level/Apex level:

• i. Negotiation (Policy Matter) : To be held only with majority Officers' organization.
• ii. Grievance Redressal Meeting : To be held only with majority officers' organization as well as with officers' organization having 10% membership at apex level.

    b. At Circle Office level:

            Grievance Redressal Meeting: To be held only with majority officers' organization at apex level as well as with officers' organization having 10% membership at circle level.

Strict Organizational Discipline in Federation

Since its birth in 1964 Federation has been scrupulously following organizational discipline in respect of holding its Conferences, EC/OB and other meetings within the prescribed time-frame and decisions taken in the meetings are implemented meticulously. The triennial Conferences of Federation are also being held within the time-frame. The 8th Triennial Conference of Federation was held at Chennai from December 01 to 03, 2012.

Formation of Pensioners' Associations And Their Federation

All India UCO Bank Pensioners' Federation at Kolkata on 8th January 2011. It was a colourful and grand Conference attended by Shri Arun Kaul, Chairman & Managing Director of our Bank, Executive Directors of our Bank, large numbers of retired and serving Executives including Executive Directors and General Managers. Continued persuasion by our Federation and Pensioners' Federation on negotiation with them yielded good result.

Registration of Unions/Associations VIS-À-VIS Check-Off Facility

Federation's continued Demand and prolonged persuasion to implement Central Government and IBA guidelines, which specified that check-off facility should be allowed to registered unions/ associations only. yielded desired result and Bank advised all Zonal and FGM Offices that check-off facility shall be limited to only registered unions/association from August 2010 onwards.

Role of Federation in Social Welfare Activities

In the 4th Biennial Conference of Federation held at Hyderabad from November 28 to 30, 1982, a unique fund named All India United Commercial Bank Officers' Federation Members' Welfare Fund, a rare scheme in the banking industry in those days, was launched to extend various welfare benefits to the officers. Com. M K Ramchandran took main initiative to form the Fund. Com. C R P Haran took up the uphill task for smooth functioning of the Fund since its formation. The said Fund has since been taken over by AIUCBOF Welfare & Benevolent
Keeping in view the importance of social welfare activities Federation has been impressing upon its State Units to form their own social welfare organisation and plunge into social welfare activities with a missionary zeal for the benefit of the downtrodden of the society. Federation has been extending matching contribution from its own fund to those State Units, who have formed their own social welfare organisation and started undertaking social welfare activities. Federation decided to dedicate 1st day of December as Social Initiative Day. On this day in each year, many affiliates of Federation undertake social welfare activities. Among affiliates of Federation, its West Bengal Unit has been doing commendable social work viz. village adoption, adoption of a school for special children etc. through its NGO Nabonnyan.
AIUCBOF Welfare, which was born in a very humble way in our Hyderabad Conference in 1982 in order to bestow few welfare benefits to the members, was converted into AIUCBOF Welfare & Benevolent Trust to broad base its activities in 2002. The Trust has grown into a huge tree extending several benefits to its members. The total membership of the Trust is 8377
The benefits being extended by Trust are stated below:

• • Holiday Home Facility: Reimbursement is made towards actual amount paid for accommodation or 1000/- whichever is less.


• • Medical Aid Scheme : Serving members with spouse and dependent children as per bank's scheme and Retired members with spouse can enjoy medical benefit to the extent of 1 Lac after settlement by bank/insurance company as the case may be, on payment of small amount of donation for each financial year in the month of April.


• • Death Relief : In case of death or permanent disablement of a member while in service, death relief/compensation amount of 50000/- is payable to his/her nominee.


• • Meritorious Children Award : For securing 80% and 75% marks in Xth and XIIth standard respectively.


• • Health Check up Scheme for Retired members : 800/- reimbursed annually on production of receipt.


• • Orthopedic Equipment for Retired members : One time reimbursement of 2000/-

In its 7th Triennial Conference held at Hyderabad in 2009, Federation decided to form an Educational Trust, which would facilitate formation of Educational & Skill Development Institutes at various places to cater the needs of under-privileged section of the society. Accordingly, All India UCO Bank officers Federation Educational and Enterpreneurship Development Trust was formed. The first Institute of the Trust named as AIUCBOF Educational & Entrepreneurship Development Institute was opened at Suri. The Inaugural Function was attended by Dr. Tapati Mukherjee, Director, Culture & Cultural Relations and Adhyaksha, Rabindra Bhavan Viswa Bharati, Shri Arun Kaul, CMD of our Bank, Shri Sambhasiva Rao, General Manager & Circle Head, Kolkata, other Executives, Principal Office Bearers of Federation, all Office Bearers of Federation's West Bengal Unit, members of Federation, retired officers and people at large. For the first time an exclusive step has taken by our Federation which no trade union in the Banking Industry has dreamt so far.

Federation & its Confederation

In the year 1970 UCO Bank, SBI, Bank of India and some other Banks took initiative to form a Confederation of Bank Officers' Organisations of different Banks and AICOBOO was formed and our representative Com. S D Parelkar became an Office Bearer of AICOBOO. A Subramanian, General Secretary of Federation was also an Office Bearer of AICOBOO.

In the Conference of AICOBOO at Chennai in 1985, under the leadership of Com. S Roy Choudhury, our Federation delegates protested against the autocratic functioning of the AICOBOO and inspired by our protest Bank of India Officers' Federation, a section of SBI Officers Federation and few other Officers' Organisations protested and came out of the Conference and formed another Confederation under the leadership of Com. R N Godbole, Com. S R Sengupta, and Com. S Roy Choudhury etc.

Formally All India Bank Officers' Confederation i.e. AIBOC was formed on 8th October 1985. From the inception Com. S Roy Choudhury is in the forefront of the Confederation and he held in the Committee as Vice President, Deputy General Secretary and Joint General Secretary and also the President of All India Regional Rural Bank Officers' Federation. Presently, he is the Advisor of AIBOC.

Silver Jubilee Celebration Of Confederation (1985-2010)

AIBOC completed Silver Jubilee of its meaningful journey. To commemorate the event as a milestone in the history of Bank Officers' movement, Inaugural programme was held at Chennai on 24th April.. As a part of Silver Jubilee Celebration of Confederation, the conclave of leadership of the Confederation comprisingof the General Secretaries of affiliates was held at Vagamon hide out, Idukki, Kerala on 15th & 16th May 2010.. Our General Secretary Com.S Roy Chowdhury attended the conclave., AIBOC organised a Conclave of the Presidents of the affiliates on 4th & 5th October 2010 at Sehore, Bhopal. Senior Vice-President of our Federation attended the conclave.

The 9th Triennial General Council of AIBOC held at Bhubaneswar from January 29 to 31, 2011 elected Com. J C Shandil, President of Federation as Vice-President of AIBOC, Com. S Roy Choudhury, General Secretary of Federation as Advisor to AIBOC. Com. N Vinod Kumar, Senior Vice-President of Federation was nominated as an EC Member of AIBOC.. 2010. Foundation Conference of All India Bank's Pensioners' / Retirees' Confederation The Convention of All India Bank Pensioners' and Retirees' Confederation under the auspices of AIBOC was held at Nagpur on March 17, 2012., Com. S Roy Choudhury, General Secretary of All India UCO Bank Officers' Federation and advisor of the Confederation, attended the Conference

COM. K S SHETTY LAID DOWN HIS OFFICE AS PRESIDENT, AIBOC & COM. P K SARKAR CO-OPTED AS PRESIDENT OF AIBOC

COM. D S RISHABADAS CO-OPTED AS GENERAL SECRETARY OF AIBOC IN PLACE OF COM G D Nadaf, EX General Secretary, .COM. P K SARKAR, PRESIDENT, AIBOC ELECTED AS CONVENOR OF UFBU Federation and All India Nationalized Banks' Officers' Federation The constitution of AIBOC provides for formation of 4 Sectoral Federations under AIBOC, which are:

• 1. State Sector Banks' Officers' Federations.
• 2. RRB Officers' Federations.
• 3. Private Sector Banks' Officers' Federation.
• 4. Co-operative Sector Banks' Officers' Federation.

Although other Sectoral Federations were formed long back, but the affiliates of AIBOC in Public Sector Banks did not feel it necessary to form Nationalized Banks' Officers' Federation as the then leadership of AIBOC was very prudent to ensure that the issues having OSR ramifications should be settled at industry level to bestow benefits equitably to officers of all Banks and Bank level issues were left to affiliates for negotiation and implementation at respective Banks. As there was no discrimination among Banks in respect of industrial level issues, the need for formation of Nationalized Banks' Officers' Federation did not arise. The scenario started changing from beginning of this century. It was observed that certain industrial level issues were settled at Bank level by one Bank and AIBOC did not take any corrective step. Moreover, the long pending demand of officers and employees of nationalized banks for another option for pension failed to attract the desired attention of AIBOC leadership. The last minute withdrawal of strike action in February 2008 was the last straw on camel's back. The officers and employees of nationalized banks lost their patience and their anger found expression in the 8th Triennial General Council of AIBOC held at Chandigarh in March 2008. The delegates and observers from nationalized banks bitterly criticized the then leadership of AIBOC as last minute's withdrawal of 2-days strike in February 2008 and indefinite strike from March 2008 appeared to them as act of betrayal to their cause.

At Chandigarh, affiliates of AIBOC in UCO Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, Syndicate Bank and Andhra Bank led by Com. Soumen Roy Choudhury, Com. K D Khera, Com. P K Sarkar, CoM. K S Shetty and Com. Rama Koteswar Rao respectively felt that demand of 2nd option for pension shall never be materialized unless a strong body of officers of nationalized banks is formed. They urged upon AIBOC to form All India Nationalized Banks' Officers' Federation (AINBOF) in terms of constitutional provisions of AIBOC. AIBOC was initially not inclined to form AINBOF. Then, the five affiliates as stated above decided to form it on their own. Then, good sense prevailed upon AIBOC and they convened the Foundation Conference of AINBOF at Kolkata on 19th January 2009. The first Committee of AINBOF was formed with Com. P K Sarkar and Com. K S Shetty elected as President and General Secretary of AINBOF respectively.Since formation of AINBOF, our Federation is affiliated to it

All India Nationalized Banks Officers ConfederationAnd IBA vide its Circular No CIR/HR&IR/2012-13/G2/6213 dated November 9, 2012 advised all member banks to extend the benefit of exercising another Option to join the existing Pension Scheme in terms and conditions laid down in the Joint Note dated27,4,2010 to those officers who have taken Voluntary Retirement from Banks Service on or after29,6,1995, in case of Nationalized Banks/26,3,1996 This is a major victory for Bank' Officers ana All India Nationalized Bank Officers Federation.Our Federation on behalf of entire officers community express our appreciation and gratitude to AINBOF and president and General Secretary

Saga of Sacrifices

Organisation and individuals are complimentary to each other. As the contribution of an organisation is immeasurable in the life of the individuals related to it, the contribution of individuals is also immense in the role-play of the organisation. But, in the process, some individuals contribute, sacrifice and ultimately emerge giants among all for the prosperity and the development of the organisation. Federation always acknowledges with gratitude the contribution of all members irrespective of their position in the organisational hierarchy.

Names of Presidents and General Secretaries of Federation since inception mentioned below:

Year	President	General Secretary
1965	H P Saxena(Punjab)	Haripada Das(West Bengal)
1966	M G Desai(Mumbai)	Haripada Das(West Bengal)
1967	J L Talwar(Delhi)	Haripada Das(West Bengal)
1968 (April-July)	J L Talwar(Delhi)	Haripada Das(West Bengal)
1968 July - 1969	J L Talwar(Delhi)	S N Ghoshal(West Bengal)
1969 - 1970	S N Ghoshal(W Bengal)	S D Parelkar(Maharashtra)
1970 - 1971	D R Kapoor(Delhi)	S D Parelkar(West Bengal)
1971 - 1972	D R Kapoor(Delhi)	S D Parelkar(West Bengal)
1972 - 1973	D R Kapoor(Delhi)	S D Parelkar(West Bengal)
1973 - 1975	D R Kapoor(Delhi)	S D Parelkar(West Bengal)
1975 - 1978	D R Kapoor(Delhi)	S D Parelkar(West Bengal)
1978 - 1980	D R Kapoor(Delhi)	A Subramanian(Tamil Nadu)
Nov 80 - Mar 81	D R Kapoor(Delhi)	A Subramanian(Tamil Nadu)
April 81 - Dec 82	D R Kapoor(Delhi)	S Roy Choudhury(West Bengal)
Jan 1983 - May1983	S D Parelkar(Maharashtra)	-do-
May 1983 - 1985	R S Chanana (Uttar Pradesh)	-do-
1985 - 1987	K Seshadri (Tamil Nadu)	-do-
Jan 1988 - 1989	M K Ramachandran (Kerala)	-do-
1989 - 1992	M K Ramachandran (Kerala)	-do-
1992-1994	-do-	-do-
1994-1997	S A Desai (Maharashtra)	-do-
1997-2000	-do-	-do-
2000-2003	R C Khanna (Uttar Pradesh)	-do-
2003-2006	-do-	-do-
2006-09	M L Gupta (Punjab) & then J C Shandil (Himachal Pradesh)	-do-
2009-12	J C Shandil (Himachal Pradesh)	-do-

H P Saxena Founder President	Haripada Das Founder General Secretary	M G Desai Founder Member & Former President	J L Talwar Founder Member & Former President
S N Ghosal Former President & General Secretary	B R Tripathy Founder Member	D R Kapoor Founder Member & Former President	S D Parelkar Former General Secretary
A Subramaniun Former General Secretary	R S Chanana Former Acting President	K Seshadri Former President	M K Ramchandran Former President
S A Desai Former President	S C Shah Former Vice-President	K L Khanna Former Senior Vice-President	H S Makol Former Senior Vice-President
D P Rao Former Senior Vice-President	Tapan Kakati Former Senior Vice-President	R C Khanna Former President	S Roy Choudhury Present General Secretary

Organisation – Only Officers' Organisation Of Our Bank Prograssive & Not Staic And Not Dictated By Others

Bank officers' organizations led by our Federation is progressive and not static. It extends its helping hands to Bank whenever required. At the same time, it does not hesitate to agitate for the cause and rights of the officers. Moreover, we are the only organization, which is apolitical.

TOTAL ORGANIZATION overwhelming majority – AIUCBOF, TRUST, PENSIONERS' ORGANIZATION, EDUCATIONAL TRUST, CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES BY UNITS, ORGANIZING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY And above all we are deeply involved in social welfare activities. Our Units have been running school for mentally challenged children, adopted village, contributing generously to the social cause. Both Federation and its Units firmly believe that we owe a lot to the society.

1. Year 1964 has seen the birth of All India United Commercial Bank Officers' Federation (AIUCBOF) at 8, Amortalla Street, Kolkata. Since then AIUCBOF stands as a symbol of aspiration and ambition of the Officers of the bank. The first President and General Secretary of Federation were Com. H P Saxena of Punjab and Com. H P Das of West Bengal respectively.

2. The year 1970 saw the following significant achievements of the Federation:- 1. Membership from all over India; 2. New State Units of Federation; 3. A comprehensive and scientific Charter of demands and a settlement 4. Bargaining power on behalf of the Officers

3. In 1983 Federation signed a Promotion Policy having two channel of promotion viz. i) Seniority Channel ii) Merit Channel.

4. Agitation in the year 1984 including mass casual leave for officers' rights and privileges. The year 1984 shall always be reckoned as a milestone in the history of Federation. At the call of the Federation officers went on a mass casual leave State-wise, which was a unique programme. By plunging into organisational action officers, all over the country, became united and militant. Federation's mission to consolidate the officers to establish their distinct identity started finding success.

5. Prolonged organisational action programme including mass casual leave by officers could provide the necessary jerk to the bank management to wake them up from their slumber. They were forced to sit for negotiation on 4th, 5th and 6th June 1984. While there was torrential rain outside and the entire BBD Bagh area was virtually submerged under water, the negotiation met tremendous success and Federation was recognised as the sole bargaining body for the Officer Community of the bank.

6. The agreement of 1984 continues to remain as a memorable milestone in the history of Federation because keeping in view Federation's majority status Bank agreed to consult/negotiate with the Federation in respect of all policy matters concerning officers in the Bank.

7. On 18.6.1986, one of our staunch and loyal Comrade G Ramakrishna Rao of Andhra Pradesh was attacked with acid due to his sincere discharge of duties as Enquiry Officer in Domestic Enquiry. At the direction of Federation, its AP Unit went on one day lightening strike and CMD was forced to send one General Manger to resolve the crisis. The affected officer was sanctioned Special Leave with full salary for almost ten years, which is a record in the history of Banking Industry.

8. On 19th August 1987 full fledged Transfer Policy was framed and Representative of Management and Federation signed the Policy and it is history in the Banking industry that explicit Transfer Policy was framed for movement of officers from one place to another.

9. Agitation in 1989 to restore officers' prestige and self-respect. In the year 1989 Federation launched countrywide organisational action programme against gross indiscipline, which included use of abusive and filthy language and manhandling of officers at work places vis-à-vis management inaction to curb indiscipline. The agitation continued for about one month and the management was forced to initiate action against delinquent employees. Thereafter, working conditions at work places started improving resulting in restoration of confidence, self-respect and dignity of the officers.

10. In 1993 Transfer Policy was further amended and Transfer on promotion was introduced. The basis of transfer from average longest stay to longest continuous stay was introduced.

11. Bank's health started deteriorating since 1989, which became a matter of concern to all including Federation.

12. Bank's health started deteriorating since 1989, which became a matter of concern to all including Federation.

13. Bank's Board in its meeting held on 31.1.1997 approved a proposal mooted by Government Nominee on the Board to freeze wages in the Bank. Our nominee Com. S Roy Choudhury and Workmen nominee vehemently protested and staged an walk-out.

14. Federation took up the matter with AIBOC and AIBOC contacted all the Central Trade Unions in Calcutta. Federation also contacted all the unions of our Bank and staged a massive demonstration in front of our Bank on 3.2.1997 and the gathering was addressed by all the central leadership of AIBOC, AIBEA, BEFI, AIBOA and others and thereafter, in a joint deputation to Executive Director, all the Unions voiced their strong protest against Bank's action. Subsequently, on the next Board meeting i.e. on 19.2.1997 all unions in our Bank sent a joint deputation to the members of the Board and demanded withdrawal of the proposal of Wage Freeze. The Board withdrew their proposal of Wage Freeze. The unified struggle of officers and employees could repulse the ill designed move of the management and the Government.

15. Health of UCO, UBI and Indian Bank was deteriorating first. In 1997, Shri P Chidambaram, the then Union Finance Minister convened a meeting at Bank's Head Quarter at Kolkata, which was attended by all Directors and all Trade Unions of Bank. In the said meeting, a MoU was signed in presence of Shri Chidambaram on a Strategic Revival Plan of the Bank. The officers and employees were required to sacrifice many benefits till Bank comes to rails.

16. Federation had taken the lead role in Bank's Strategic Revival Plan by way of motivating the officers to plunge into action to improve the health of the Bank in various fields such as house-keeping, NPA recovery, deposit mobilization, deployment of credit etc. The efforts of all including Federation paid dividend. Bank could earn nominal net profit in 1999 after gap of 11 years. And, thereafter, Bank has been continually earning operating and net profit.

17. In 1999 in the name of forming LHO at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow & Kolkata tried to dislodge Head office from Kolkata. Federation went on agitation to stall the decision of Management and ultimately Management was forced to withdraw their decision.

16. In the year 2000 promotion policy was further amended with a clause that group discussion was introduced for promotion from Scale-III to Scale-IV and ScaleIV to Scale V which is unique in the industry.

17. In 2002 Promotion Policy was further amended 20% vacancy was reserved for Senior Officers in Scale-I to ensure at least one promotion in life-time.

18. Leased accommodation linked with D.A. unique in the Industry.

19. Defence Councel Training Programmes organised from time to time covering its State Units.

20. Leadership Development Programme organised from time to time covering its State Units.

21. Formation of AIUCBOF-Welfare Fund in 1983.

22. Back dating of Seniority (196).

23. CAIIB increments to the officers promoted from clerical cadre in 1987.

24. Integration of Chief Cashiers to the main stream.

25. Integration of AFO with the main stream.

26. Merger of accounts and cash department in the year 2001.

27. Publication of books from time to time to guide the officers.

28. Counting of seniority from the temporary period of service.

29. Training Programmes in HRD/CREDIT/IT to leaders.

30. Grant of Rs.5/- per month per member to each State Units having their own NGO for social activities.

31. Fund collected through one day's salary contribution by all members was donated to West Bengal/Odisha/Gujarat Governments for people affected by Flood/Super Cyclone/Earthquake.

32. Resistance to ARC and Public Issues.

33. General Council formed in 2000 envisaging a new approach to meet the requirement arising from Bank's restructuring of its administrative set-up.

34. Federation signed agreement with the bank to introduce Segment Specialisation in the fields of IT, Credit, Foreign Exchange, Treasury & Investment, Merchant Banking and HRD.

35. Introduction of Holiday Home Thrift Society, Social Welfare organisation in State Units.

36. Publication of Manual for Growth-I to ensure safeguard of officers against aggressive mid-market segment lending.

37. Representation in Bank's Audit Committee/Management Committee.

38. Hosting of Federation's own Website in 2003.

39. Categorization of Posts of Officers at all tiers formalized with Federation in 2008, which was approved by Board and again it was reviewed in 2012.

40. Registration of Check-Off facility to registered Unions/Associations only implemented by Bank from September 2010 due to intense pressure of Federation.

41. Conversion of AIUCBOF Welfare Fund into AIUCBOF Welfare & Benevolent Trust settled by Federation in 2002.

42. Federation's own Guest House at Shimla, New Delhi, Kolkata and Tirupati.

43. Amendment of Transfer Policy in 2008 replacing 'State' concept of transfer by 'Zone' concept.

44. Amendment of Promotion Policy in 2010 and framing of an ad-hoc Promotion Policy scrapping written test due to unavailability of adequate numbers of candidates in inter-scale promotions.

45. Removal of Fitment Anomaly of Officers from time to time. 47. Formation of Joint Committee in 2009 comprising Management and Federation representatives to prepare approach papers on: 1. Review of Promotion Policy of Officers including review of Performance Appraisal Reports. 2. Career Path for Officers. 3. Career Progressing Policy for Specialist Officers. 4. Rationalisation of Performance Appraisal Report.

48. Silver Jubilee Celebration of Confederation (1985-2010)

AIBOC completed Silver Jubilee of its meaningful journey. To commemorate the event as a milestone in the history of Bank Officers' movement, Inaugural programme was held at Chennai 49. FORMATION OF PENSIONERS' ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR FEDERATION at Kolkata on 8th January 2011

50. At the initiatives of our Federation 'other allowances' to our comrades in UCO sponsored RRBs at par with us have been extended.

51. The Conclave on "UCO - A Road Ahead" was organized at Kolkata on 12th February, 2011 by Bank to discuss the long-term plan (5 Years plan) for the Bank. the conclave could be held due to the initiatives of the General Secretary of our Federation. as acknowledged by Chairman & Managing Director our suggestion on opening of new Zones yielded result. Since the Conclave was held Bank opened 6new2 More new Zones shall be opened .

53. SALARY REVISION EXTENDED TO OFFICERS IN REGIONAL RURAL BANKS and at the initiatives of our Federation 'other allowances' to our comrades in UCO sponsored RRBs at par with us have been extended.

54. EXTENSION OF SERVICES OF EXECUTIVES & OFFICERS UNDER REGULATION 20.3 (III)

55. Federation raised strong voice against extension of services and demanded corrective steps and conclusion of enquiry positively before retirement. Persistent follow-ups paid dividend. The incidents of extension of services came down to 1 in 2012 from 16 in 2011 and 11 in 2010.

56. FEDERATION CONTINUED EFFORT HAS COMPELLED BANK TO IMPLEMENT provisions of Indian Trade Union Act, 1926 and judgment of the Supreme Court.in allowing the duly elected Office Bearers of the majority Union/Association to participate in IR Meetings/Discussion with Bank Manageme2012with the approval for the payment of TA/DA as per entitlement and upto the permissible number.

57. Due to Federation's proloned and continued persuasion recently Bank has started paying of monthly reimbursement of 12,000/- only to all Assistant General Managers excluding those who are provided with Bank's car facility, in lieu of provision of Bank's Car to them.

59. On Federation's demand for payment of Halting Allowance to the Probationary Officers during their on-the-job training as per OSR, Bank started paying in addition to journey and diem charges during journey period, a sum of '9,000/- w.e.f. 05.5.2012 for movement from one centre to another during their on-the-job training.

62. Federation demanded payment of gratuity to the officers who are compulsorily retired or against whom there are judicial proceedings not connected with the Bank pending in terms of provisions of the Gratuity Act, 1972 and the judgment of the Supreme Court of India and the Division Bench of Patna High Court. Bank has started releasing payment of gratuity to these officers.

63. NOTIONAL FIXATION OF SENIORITY OF SPECIALIST OFFICERS FROM THE DATE OF THEIR INTERVIEW-Federation had taken up the matter Bank gave them notional seniority from the date of their interview.

65. New Pension Scheme-Bank did not start deducting 10% of Basic Pay and DA from officers and employees who joined the Bank on or after April 01, 2010 in line with other Banks, Federation requested Bank for immediate deduction of 10% of Basic Pay and DA from officers and employees and also to extend interest free loan to the new recruits for arrears contribution to the pension fund. .After Federation's taking up the matter of deduction Bank started deduction of. members' contribution in this scheme.

66. For the first time in Bank Officers'/Employees' Trade Union Movement, Federation introduced a new weaponry for percolation of grievances of officers to the Chairman & Managing Director, Executive Directors, General Manager, HRM, Corporate General Managers, Circle Heads and Zonal Managers. Executive Committee Members of Federation and its State Units and general members at large sent SMS containing in gist the grievances of officers of Bank to the Top Management of Bank and Functional Heads as stated above on 9 dates from June 4 to 22, 2012.

67. Persistent efforts of Federation paid dividend. Bank Implemented Management Relation Policy for Officers and IR Policy for Workmen from April, 2013. The MR Policy debars minority officers' organization from discussion on policy matter.

Officers' Representation on Bank's Board

The decade of seventies is also memorable in the history of Federation as for the first time Com. S D Parelkar, General Secretary of Federation was appointed as Officer Director on Bank's Board on 11th December, 1972 paving the way for representation of Officers in the decision making process of the Bank.






Thereafter, Com. D R Kapoor, President of Federation was appointed as Officer Director on Bank's Board in the year 1978 and continued till 1983.
After retirement of Com. D R Kapoor, the post of Officer Director was lying vacant till 1991.

In the intervening period management of our Bank tried to nominate Officer who was not an office bearer of the Federation. Federation resisted the move of the Bank. Many other Banks tried to do the same. Federation took up the matter with AIBOC and AIBOC filed a case at Supreme Court and ultimately Supreme Court delivered a judgement that only among the three nominated representatives of the majority officers' organisation one can be nominated to the Board as Officer Director.


Thus on 14th November 1991 Com. S Roy Choudhury, General Secretary of Federation was nominated as Officer Director to the Board after a long gap of 8 years and he continued for two consecutive terms upto 14th November 1997.

On 18th February 2002 Sri S Roy Choudhury, General Secretary of Federation was re-appointed as Director on the Bank's Board and his tenure was upto 30.11.2003 i.e. date of his retirement from Bank's service.



On 29th December 1998 Sri Tapan Kakati, Senior Vice-President was appointed as Director on the Bank's Board and remained till 28th December 2001.








On 8th October 2004, Com. J C Shandil, the then Vice-President and present President of Federation was appointed as Officer Director on Bank's Board and he continued for two consecutive terms upto 8th October 2010.






Nomination of our representatives on Bank's Board was stalled for about two years for several false and mischievous complains being lodged to the ministry by some disgruntled and frustrated elements. Now, after waiting for two years Central Government nominated our Joint General Secretary Com. D. N. Thakur as Officer Employee Director on the Board w.e.f. 13.12.2012 for a period of 3 years.