Ref.: Circular No.13/2009-12 27th July, 2010 To Sub : Implementation of decisions taken in the IRM of 16th & 17th March, 2010 Please refer to our Circular No.11/2009-12 dated 18th March, 2010 on “Successful IRM on 16th & 17th March, 2010 & Withdrawal of Organizational Action Programme. We are extremely happy to inform you that the following issues having financial implications discussed and negotiated between Bank and our Federation in the IRM on 16th & 17th March, 2010 have since been approved by the Bank for implementation: 1. The Probationary Officers of 2009 & 2010 batch to be paid regular salary and 2. Monthly ceiling of lumpsum reimbursement to be increased by 25% under both 3. Restoration of pre-gulf war petrol limit to the extent of 15% increase on existing 4. Increase in the upper limit of festival advance for officers from Rs.10,000/- to 5. Rental ceiling for leasehold accommodation to officers to be increased by 15% on the 6. Monthly limits in telephone reimbursement for all Branch Heads in Scale-III, II and I In this connection, it is pertinent to mention that the above issues having financial implications are the fruits of negotiations between Bank and our Federation. We are amused that impatient minority union leaders forgot that Bank Officers can not be cheated by sending SMS as if Board cleared the proposals at their behest. We only request our officer friends to advise leaders of minority unions to be respectful to the dignity, wisdom and intellect of the officer community of UCO Bank. We, once again, congratulate our members for their utmost dedication and commitment to the cause of the officer community of the Bank thereby extending uninterrupted strength and courage to Federation to fight for the interest of the officer community of the Bank. With warm greetings, |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 40 / 2009-12 20th July, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Re.: Request for Payment of Salary & Allowances and all other Benefits In the Apex Level IR Meeting between Bank and our Federation held on 16th & 17th March, 2010, the issue was taken up for discussion. Bank assured us to take up the matter in the next IR Meeting scheduled to be held before April 30, 2010, which did not take place. We, once again, reiterate that the Probationary Officers of 2009 & 2010 batch are entitled to grades and scales of pay, dearness allowances and all other allowances in terms of Regulation 4, 5, 21, 22 and 41 respectively, but Bank decided to give them stipend @ Rs.12,000/- in the 1st year and Rs.13,000/- in the 2nd year of their probation thereby denying payment of salary & allowances and other benefits they are legitimately entitled to in terms of OSR. Moreover, after recent wage settlement, the salary and allowances of clerical staff members have increased considerably whereas the Probationary Officers are drawing stipendiary allowances of Rs.12,000/- and Rs.13,000/-. The increase in the wages of clerical staff vis-à-vis the stipend paid to the POs has got a demoralising effect on them. You would kindly agree with us that the younger generation officers are the future of the Bank. They should develop attachment and belongingness to the Bank from the day one of their joining the Bank. Unfortunately, denial of payment of regular salary & allowances and other benefits to them in violation of Officers’ Service Regulations have caused considerable demotivation and frustration in them. They are also made to feel that they are discriminated. The violation of OSR needs to be corrected without further loss of time. Under this backdrop, we seek your immediate intervention in the matter and request you to kindly take necessary steps for payment of regular salary & allowances and all other benefits to the Probationary Officers of 2009 & 2010 batch, which would not only correct violation of OSR, but also restore faith and confidence in them. We look forward to an immediate action from your end in this regard. |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 39 / 2009-12 1st July, 2010
All Office Bearers & EC Members
Sub : HR Committee on Public Sector Banks You are aware that the Government of India appointed a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Anil Khandelwal to look into HR issues of public sector banks. The committee has reportedly submitted its report. Meanwhile, the ‘Hindu Business Line’ daily newspaper in its edition dated July 1, 2010 has published a news item on the above referred HR Committee report. We enclose a photocopy of the said publication for your information. Sd/- Encl : As above |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 38 / 2009-12 30th June, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Re.: 2ND OPTION ON PENSION PROPOSAL CLEARED BY THE GOVERNMENT We reproduce hereunder the full text of AIBOC Circular No.98 dated 29th June, 2010 on the above subject for information of all concerned. Sd/- 2. In the mean time, few CPF Optees have filed suits in various courts challenging the said understandings and demanded extension of one more option on pension without recovery of contribution to pension fund at 2.8 times of revised pay from the arrears of salary and allowance payable under 9th bipartite. We understand that, Hon’ble High Court of Madras has granted a stay on the operation of the understandings of IBA with UFBU on 2nd Option on Pension. Apart from IBA, workmen organisations are also made parties to the suit. Unless, the said stay is vacated, IBA cannot issue offer letter on pension. 3. The case came up for hearing to-day, and the Hon’ble High Court has adjourned it to 6th July, 2010 for final hearing and order. 4. We are in constant touch with the IBA and the Convenor of UFBU, to initiate appropriate steps to vacate the stay, at the earliest, to enable IBA to issue necessary instructions to member Banks on the Pension offer. 5. We shall keep you advised of the further developments in due course. With greetings, |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 37 / 2009-12 June 11, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Sub : Staff Welfare Committee Meeting on 8.6.2010 The Staff Welfare Committee Meeting of our Bank was held on June 8, 2010. The meeting was chaired by Shri S. K. Goel, our Chairman & Managing Director and Shri Ajay Kumar, our Executive Director also attended the meeting. Some of the Staff Welfare issues were discussed in detail. It was decided that a sum of Rs.1,000.00 (Rupees One Thousand) only per employee per annum shall be reimbursed towards tiffin expenses subject to approval of the Board. It was also decided to open 15 Holiday Homes of Bank at the following centres :
Committee stressed the need to organise Holiday Homes on urgent footing and the same should be comfortable for employee’s boarding. A Sub-Committee comprising following representatives of Bank and Unions was constituted to monitor Staff Welfare Schemes, which proposed to meet once in every month at Head Office : 1. Shri A C Slath, DGM & Convenor Sd/- |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 36 / 2009-12 25th May, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Sub: Permanent absorption of Officers appointed under Contractual Employment We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/ 57A /2009-12 dated 5th May, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned. You are aware that we have been urging upon Bank for permanent absorption of contractually employed officers under Bank’s regular employment under OSR. It is high time that Bank should initiate some pro-active steps to absorb contractually employed officers under Bank’s regular employment under OSR. Their Grade and Scale may be determined on the basis of emoluments they are drawing at present. You would kindly agree with us that absorption of contractually employed officers under Bank’s regular employment under OSR is a better option than to allow them to resign and fill up the resultant vacancies through recruitment as no Industry/Institution desires to spare their experienced and competent hands. In view of the above, we, once again, request you to kindly take some urgent steps to permanently absorb contractually employed officers under Bank’s regular employment under OSR for the benefit and interest of the Bank only. We look forward to an immediate action from your end in this regard. Yours faithfully,
Ref.: Mg/ 57 A /2009-12 5th May, 2010
The Chairman & Managing Director, Dear Sir, Sub: Permanent absorption of Officers appointed under Contractual Employment Bank appointed few officers in certain specific fields of activities viz. IT, Law, Strategic Planning under contractual employment. Some of them have resigned and left the job. Looking into uncertainty of future under contractual employment, few of such contractually engaged officers are contemplating to quit the job. The attrition of these officers, who have been properly trained by Bank and with the passage of time, acquired sufficient skill and competence in their assignment, is, no doubt, a great loss to Bank especially when retention of talent is posing a major problem to the Bank. It should be our endeavour to retain them in Bank as they are already tuned with Bank’s work-culture. You are aware that we have been urging upon Bank for permanent absorption of contractually employed officers under Bank’s regular employment under OSR. It is high time that Bank should initiate some pro-active steps to absorb contractually employed officers under Bank’s regular employment under OSR. Their Grade and Scale may be determined on the basis of emoluments they are drawing at present. You would kindly agree with us that absorption of contractually employed officers under Bank’s regular employment under OSR is a better option than to allow them to resign and fill up the resultant vacancies through recruitment as no Industry/Institution desires to spare their experienced and competent hands. In view of the above, we, once again, request you to kindly take some urgent steps to permanently absorb contractually employed officers under Bank’s regular employment under OSR for the benefit and interest of the Bank only. We look forward to an immediate action from your end in this regard. Yours faithfully,
S Roy Choudhury |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 35 / 2009-12 24th May, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Sub: Request for amortization of the amount payable /recoverable from the We understand that in terms of guidelines of IBA, the Bank has the scope to amortize the additional load, to be borne by the Bank, on account of one more Pension option in five years by charging Profit & Loss A/C to the extent of l/5th of the total load in successive five Balance Sheets. In view of the above position and also keeping in view the accounting principle, we feel that employees including retired employees/families of deceased employees should also be given a scope to refund the additional amount in five years. Under the circumstances, we seek your preferred attention in the matter and request you to take necessary steps to amortize the refundable amount of additional load by in-service employees, retired employees and families of deceased employees in five years in line with IBA guidelines for amortization of additional load to be borne by Bank in five years. This would extend substantial relief to all sections of employees including in-service, retired and families of deceased employees as well as enable majority of retired and families of deceased employees to opt for the Pension Scheme. For the purpose, Bank may obtain necessary undertakings from employees, retired employees and family of deceased employees to safeguard its intererst. We look forward to your kind intervention in the matter for the welfare of employees. Yours faithfully, |
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Union Circular |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 34 / 2009-12 20th May,2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Sub: IMPLEMENTATION OF 9TH BIPARTITE SETTLEMENT PROCESS ON – IBA ISSUES GUIDELINES TO BANKS GOVERNMENT’S CLEARANCE IN RESPECT OF OFFICERS’ AWAITED We reproduce hereunder the full text of All India Bank Officers’ Confederation Circular No.65 dated 14th May, 2010 on the above subject for information of all concerned. a) An amount equal to 2.8 times of the “Pay” for the month of November, 2007 be withheld and kept in a suspense account for crediting to the Pension Fund in case the employee opts to join the Pension Scheme complying with the terms of the Settlement dated 27th April, 2010. b) If any employee gives in writing an irrevocable letter stating that he does not intend to join the Pension Scheme in terms of the Settlement, 2.8 times of the November 2007 pay as above need not be withheld. c) Once the offer is made to join the Pension Scheme, on expiry of the period of option, the amount withheld in respect of those who exercised the option to join the Pension Scheme should be transferred to the Pension Fund. The arrears withheld in respect of those who did not opt for pension within the stipulated time, be refunded to them. d) No portion of arrears be withheld in respect of non-optee employees who retired from 1st November 2007 to 27th April 2010. They will be joining the Pension Scheme by making contribution towards funding gap as retired employees in terms of the Settlement. 2. We are keeping in touch with the IBA to ascertain the latest position as regards in-principle approval, pending amendment to the service regulations in respect of the Officers in the banking industry. We understand that the approval is expected at any time. The first phase in respect of the Award Staff for the payment of arrears etc., as per the 9th bipartite settlement having been already initiated we are confident that the process in respect of the Officers will get speeded up now. 3. In the meanwhile, we have been receiving anxious enquiries on implementation of 2nd Option on Pension. The process of obtaining in-principle approval from Govt. is also in progress. We therefore advise members to have patience for a few days more as the instructions are awaited at the earliest. We also understand that the bank managements have already initiated necessary steps and the calculations have since been kept ready so that no delay takes place once the guidelines are received from the banking department for the implementation of the 9th bipartite. 4. Comrades, the technical requirement of obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Finance including the Finance minister should not take much time since the Government is conscious of the pressures that are built across the country, awaiting implementation of the 9th bipartite. 5. We note to keep all our affiliates/members informed of further details in due course. With greetings, |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 33 / 2009-12 11th May, 2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Re.: Income Tax Exemption on contribution towards Pension Fund We reproduce hereunder the full text of AIBOC Circular No.60 dated 10th May, 2010 on the above subject for information of all concerned. 2. We have today sent a communication to the IBA to issue necessary guidelines to the member Banks to treat the contribution to the pension fund out of arrears payable as investment in superannuation schemes and be exempted from payment of income tax on the same. 3. A copy of the communication is enclosed. We shall advise the outcome later. With greetings, No./1452/145/10 10.05.2010 |
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Page - 2 the funding of the Pension Fund gap by way of contribution by the employees and Officers who are in service, out of the arrears payable to them on account of the 9th Bipartite settlement; apart from surrendering of Bank’s Contribution of PF accumulated in their respective accounts. 2. The contributions made by the employees towards the Superannuation Benefits; such as Provident Fund, Pension Fund etc., are eligible for the tax exemption as per the Income Tax rules and treated as investments in the eligible securities for all practical purposes. Thus, the money, so contributed towards pension fund in Bank is liable to be exempted from the payment of Income tax by the Tax authorities. It is in this background, there is a need to issue proper instructions to all the Banks at the time of sending guidelines for the implementation of the 9th Bipartite settlement as well as the payment of arrears to cover inter-alia:
3. We therefore, request you to obtain special permission from the CBDT to exempt the entire contribution towards pension fund, from payment of tax. Please therefore look into the matter and take necessary action without further delay. Thanking you, |
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NOT FOR CIRCULATION Ref.: Mg/ 57 /2009-12 5th May, 2010 Dear Sir, Bank issued Circular No.CHO/POS/12/2009-2010 dated 01.1.2010 inviting applications for repatriation of officers to their domicile state/parent zone during Annual Transfer Exercise-2010. The last date for submission of applications to HO, PSD by Zones and officers posted at Head Office was 04.2.2010. We are confident that the department has already scrutinised and verified the applications and identified officers eligible for repatriation in terms of Transfer Policy for Officers. As the Annual Transfer Exercise-2010 is getting delayed, the officers eligible for repatriation if transferred after the academic session, may find it difficult to admit their children in schools/colleges. Moreover, if uncertainty prevails over their date of repatriation, they would not be able to make necessary arrangements to vacate their leasehold accommodation. It would be of much help and convenience for the officers eligible for repatriation during ATE-2010 if Bank writes to them confirming their eligibility for repatriation. In view of the above, we request you to look into the matter and send the names of the officers eligible for repatriation to the Zones with a direction that zones would, in turn, inform these officers confirming their eligibility for repatriation to their domicile/parent zone during ATE-2010 to enable them to make necessary planning as regards to admit their children in schools/colleges and vacate their leasehold accommodation. We look forward to an immediate action from your end in this regard. Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury |
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Ref.: Com /EC/ 32 / 2009-12 April 28, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Re.: 27TH APRIL 2010 – A RED LETTER DAY IN OUR MOVEMENT We reproduce hereunder the full text of AIBOC Circular No.51 dated 27th April, 2010 on the above subject for information of all concerned. Sd/- 2. The current negotiations involved a series of meetings between the 4 Officers’ organisations and the Indian Banks’ Association as well as between the Government and UFBU since the issue of the 2nd option was kept high on the agenda of the Confederation and also by all other organizations. The committed rank and file did not dither despite the ups and downs in the progress of negotiations and the vacillating attitude of the IBA coupled with our own detractors and rivals attempting to create bottlenecks in the progress of the negotiations. 3. The Charter of Demands was also subsequently reinforced by a supplementary Charter taking a cue from the changes that had taken place in respect of the Civil Servants on the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission. The negotiations were centered on the issue of 2nd option and the viability of the fund and thereafter sharing of the burden on Pension as per the acturial report obtained in this connection. It was also a difficult task for the leadership when it came to sharing of the cost. It is again due to the ingenuity of the leadership of the Confederation that the burden was lessoned as far as the employees are concerned and the Managements were convinced to accept the major share of the cost. 4. Comrades, the current negotiations have special features and history has been created through the maintenance of unity and solidarity at all level despite the provocation due to the high maturity and foresight exhibited by the Confederation. 5. The negotiations across the table apart, it is with the persuasive skills of the leadership of the Confederation, certain ticklish issues were sorted out by holding one to one discussions with the Chairman of IBA. Thus certain major issues could be resolved during the course of discussions with Page -2 the Chairman of IBA. The important ones are clinching the issue of grant of 2 additional stagnation increments for Scale I to Scale III. Similarly, the stalemate in regard to the construction of anomaly-free scales and avoidance of overlapping to a large extent could be ensured through the efforts of the leadership of the Confederation. Once, all the major issues were sorted out, the nitty gritty of arriving at the final agreement took some more time and there were threats of the break down of the talks even at the last moment as well, but the maturity of the leadership at the UFBU level could clinch the issues and sign the settlement. 6. It was a tight schedule on 26th and 27th April 2010. The leadership of the Confederation was present in Mumbai on 26th morning to give a final touch to the agreement. The convener of UFBU had convened a meeting on 26th morning. At that time we were informed that there are certain difficulties which have cropped up on account of the sharing of the pension cost by the existing workforce due to court cases filed in the Hon’ble High Court of Andhra Pradesh. The IBA after obtaining the legal opinion advised the convener of UFBU that the contribution towards Pension Fund out of the arrears can be recovered only from the PF Optees who wish to avail the 2nd Option on Pension and not from those who are already become Pension Optees. There was a hectic discussion amongst all the constituents of UFBU and after threadbare discussions, UFBU unanimously decided to accept the stand of IBA and proceed with the agreement. 7. On 27th morning again the leadership of UFBU met and held parleys with the representatives of IBA as regards the finalization of the agreement. Thereafter it was decided that the agreement can be signed at 4.30 p.m. thereby completing the journey of negotiations on the 9th bipartite extending the benefit of revision to over 6 lac employees and also the benefit of 2nd option to over 65,000 Officers. 8. On behalf of the Confederation, Com.K.S.Shetty, the President accompanied by Com.G.D.Nadaf, the General Secretary, the negotiating team represented the Confederation in the signing ceremony. The other team members consisted of: S/Shri. Page-3
8. N.Venugopalan – Special Officer, IBA 10. The salient features are:
pattern;
and III to travel by air;
11. Comrades, the success of the settlement squarely belongs to each and every member of this great organization. The conviction with which the membership marched with the Confederation and participated in the struggles that were launched to ensure realization of the 2nd option on Pension will be recorded in golden letters in the history of our movement. We on behalf of the Confederation convey our gratitude and compliments for the support that you have extended during the last 2 and half-years, waiting with lot of patience and perseverance to reach the conclusion of the historic settlement. 12. We are releasing a booklet containing Joint notes on salary revision and pension with details of charts showing D.A, HRA etc, payable. OFFICERS’ UNITY ZINDABAD – ZINDABAD, With greetings,
Ref.: Com /EC/ 29/ 2009-12 8th April, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Sd/- 3. The Confederation is solely responsible for ensuring two additional stagnation increments in Scale I to III over and above the existing stagnation increments. The idea of stagnation was not welcomed by the representatives of IBA on the plea that the Officers are supposed to get promoted and not expected to stagnate. However, the vacancy constrains have made our officers to stagnate in the lower scales and many of our comrades have not been drawing increments for more than a decade. The stagnation increments thus will help us to indirectly take our scales up to the scale IV leaving a small gap of one increment. Thus we could elongate our scales now up to Scale IV due to the judicial distribution of the wage increase load available to us. We have also taken care of fair increase in the scales of Top Executives. SCALES DEARNESS ALLOWANCE CITY COMPENSATARY ALLOWANCE Places in Area I - 4% of Basic Pay, Max. Rs.540/- p.m. HOUSE RENT ALLOWANCE MEDICAL AID – STAGNATION INCREMENTS: Date of Effect : 1st November 2007. 5. Comrades, in the given circumstances; when we secured pension for CPF optees, this is one of the best settlements on salary revision for officers. We are successful in ensuring fair increase in basic pay for all scales/grades and two additional stagnation increments to Scale I to Scale III, which is the unique achievement in the 9th bipartite. The concept of stagnation increment for officers was first time introduced during 1987 and there was no improvement thereafter except adding one more stagnation increment to MMGS III during the period. 6. Members are requested not to be guided by any type of rumors and adverse comments. We compliment our members for their tolerance, faith and maturity displayed in standing like a rock behind the Confederation. 7. In the meanwhile, the leadership of the Confederation will be meticulously planning to
Ref.: Com /EC/ 28 / 2009-12 7th April, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Sub: IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW PENSION SCHEME IN THE BANKING IDUSTRY We reproduce hereunder the full text of All India Bank Officers’ Confederation Circular No.38 dated 26th March, 2010 on the above subject for information of all concerned. Sd/- 2. The letter is self–explicit and a copy is annexed herewith. We advise our affiliates to protest strongly if the Managements of the Banks come forth with an agenda in the Board Meeting for introduction of the New Pension Scheme before signing a regular settlement on Pension Issue. Such agenda should be got deferred by our representatives on the Boards. With Warm greetings, Sd/- No:1452/96/10 26.03.2010 To, Dear Sir, We have gone through the instructions given by you to the Member Banks on 04.03.2010, advising the Banks to seek the approval of the respective Bank Boards on the following . a. Implementation of New Pension Scheme. b. Incorporating a clause in the appointment orders of the new 2. These instructions have been issued to the Member Banks at a time when the bipartite discussions/negotiations on finalization of Second Option on Pension settlement are still going on and the MoU signed by the Unions on 27.11.2009 is yet to be turned into a reality. 3. In fitness of things, the New Pension Scheme can be introduced only after signing the settlement on the pending second option on pension. Only after signing a full pledged settlement, the Bank Boards can adopt the New Pension Scheme . In this background it is not prudent on part of the IBA to instruct the Banks Boards to adopt a decision to implement the New Pension Scheme. We are not in agreement with your decision. We suggest that the instructions to the Member Banks may please be withdrawn\held in abeyance. 4. As the New Pension Scheme is going to be implemented from 01.04.2010 and the new recruits/appointees would be covered by the above scheme as agreed in MoU, it would be sufficient if the Banks are advised to incorporate the clause in the appointment letters to be issued to those who will be appointed in the service of the Banks from 01.04.2010 to the effect that they would be governed by the new pension scheme being introduced in the Banking Industry wef 01.04.2010 and they would not be covered by PF and existing Pension Scheme. 5. We request you to send revised instructions to the Member Banks, keeping in view our above observations. Thanking you,
Ref.: Com /EC/ 27/ 2009-12 7th April, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Sub: ENHANCEMENT OF GRATUITY FROM RS. 3.50 LACS TO RS. 10,00 LACS We reproduce hereunder the full text of All India Bank Officers’ Confederation Circular No.37 dated 26th March, 2010 on the above subject for information of all concerned. Sd/- 2. We have annexed a copy of the letter, which is self –explicit 3. Further developments in the matter will be informed to you. With warm greetings Sd/- No.1410/95/10 26.03.2010 Sri. Mallikarjuna Kharge, Dear Sir, 2. Your Ministry has put a big step forward bringing substantial relief and solace to millions and millions of labourers, workers, employees working in various sectors of the economy. While we thank you profusely for bringing this long awaited legislation to reality, we will be highly obliged to you for giving effect to the amendment, from a retrospective date i.e., 01.01.2006, from which date enhanced gratuity was paid to the Central Government employees in the wake of the recommendations made by the VIth Central Pay Commission. By giving effect to the amendment from 01.01.2006, the principles of equity and equality will be ensured. 3. Sir, we request and urge upon you to take note of our fore-quoted suggestion and your positive decision in this regard will be one of the most outstanding pro-labour measures in the contemporary history. The entire work force and labour class are waiting with baited breath for the passage of the bill in the Parliament and they all express their gratitude to you from the core of their hearts. With warm greetings and regards,
Ref.: Circular No.12/2009-12 March 18, 2010
To All Office Bearers, E C Members, Delegates & Observers & Direct Members
Sub : Interaction with our Chairman & Managing Director in our Apex Level IRM on 17.03.2010
Further to our Circular No. Circular/11/2009-2012 dated 18.03.2010 on “Successful IRM and withdrawal of Organisational Action Programme”, we are pleased to inform you that Shri S K Goel, Chairman & Managing Director of our Bank, had an interactive session with the members of the Negotiating Committee of Federation on the afternoon of 17th March 2010.
The Chairman & Managing Director stated in detail the concern of Bank towards its officers, present condition of Bank and Bank’s projected business results at the end of the current fiscal. He gave special emphasise on the following subjects.
1. Interest of Officers is a matter of concern for both Management and Federation.
2. Bank desires that its Officers should get perquisites and other benefits at par with peer Banks. Bank is, at present, not in a position to extend matching perquisites and other benefits to its Officers due to constraint of net profit although net profit increased during last 3 years.
3. Bank shall be in position to extend more perquisites and other benefits as soon as it achieves higher net profit.
4. Bank’s profitability got eroded due to unseen tax liabilities imposed by Income Tax department. Hence, in all matter having financial implications should be referred to tax consultant.
5. The financial benefits extended by Bank should be sustainable in future.
6. The issues having financial implications should be resolved in two phases. Some issues may be resolved immediately and some after declaration of financial results.
7. Bank’s follow-on Right Issue after declaration of financial results to achieve prescribed CAR.
8. Bank’s present business is about Rs.1,85,000.00 crores. Bank’s projected total business and net profit at the close of current financial year is Rs.2,02,000.00 crores and Rs.1000.00 crores respectively, which would be a milestone in the history of Bank.
9. All Ucoites should try to build the image of the Bank and we should avoid interference/intervention of outsiders in Bank’s matter.
10. The branches should concentrate and work wholeheartedly to achieve Bank’s target of business and profitability.
Under the backdrop of our Chairman & Managing Director’s message as stated above and with a view to taking our Bank to greater heights, we urge upon all Officers of the Bank to immediately plunge into action to achieve all targets set by Bank and improve profitability to the desired extent. You should leave no stone unturned to excel in your work place to achieve all targets. If we work as a team with utmost dedication and commitment, we can do wonders. We are confident that our comrades would live upto the expectation of Bank and organisation and after the declaration of financial results; both Bank and Federation shall, once again, feel proud of its Officer Community who have been functioning under tremendous constraint of manpower.
In this connection, we convey our thanks and appreciation to our Chairman & Managing Director for making it convenient inspite of his busy and packed schedule, to address the Negotiating Committee of Federation and enrich us about our beloved Bank and Bank’s concern towards its Officers.
With warm greetings, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary
Ref.: Circular No. 11/2009-12 March 18, 2010
To All Office Bearers, E C Members, Delegates & Observers & Direct Members
Sub : Successful IRM on 16th & 17th March 2010 & Withdrawal of Organisational Action Programme
You are aware that Federation was compelled to resort to organisational action programme including area-wise strike action in phases for resolution of its long pending IR issues. Thereafter, Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Kolkata, held a conciliation proceeding between Bank and Federation on 15th February 2010 in order to avert strike action. In the Conciliation Meeting, Bank expressed its desire to address issues of Federation meaningfully in the IR Meeting to be held on 16th & 17th March 2010 and Federation decided to keep its on-going organisational action programme in abeyance.
Under this backdrop, apex level IR Meeting between Bank and our Federation was held on 16th & 17th March 2010 in a congenial atmosphere. The positive mindset of Bank was reflected in the meeting.
All the issues were discussed threadbare. Some of the issues could be resolved meaningfully keeping in view the present condition of Bank. The issues, which could not be resolved immediately, shall be discussed and resolved at a later date. Finally, the minutes of the meeting were signed and exchanged, a copy of which is enclosed for information of all concerned.
We take this opportunity to congratulate our valiant members whose utter commitment and dedication to the cause of the organisation and the Officer Community made it possible to show our consolidation, zeal and might during the organisational action programme and achieve another milestone.
With warm greetings,
Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Encl.: As above. 17TH March, 2010
MINUTES OF DISCUSSION IN THE IR MEETING HELD BETWEEN THE BANK AND THE ALL INDIA UCO BANK OFFICERS’ FEDERATION ON 16TH AND 17TH MARCH, 2010 AT HEAD OFFICE, KOLKATA
UCO BANK REPRESENTED BY : ALL INDIA UCO BANK OFFICERS FEDERATION REPRESENTED BY :
1. SHRI GN SHUKLA, GM(PSD) 1. SHRI JC SHANDIL, PRESIDENT, 2. SHRI UC SHARMA, AGM(PSD) 2. MD. NASIRUDDIN, SR. VICE PRESIDENT 3. SHRI S DE, CHIEF OFFICER(HRD) 3. SHRI LA D’ SOUZA, VICE PRESIDENT 4. SHRI G BANERJEE, DY. CO (PSD) 4. SHRI MANOJ JAIN, VICE PRESIDENT 5. SHRI PARESH DAS, VICE PRESIDENT 6. SHRI RAM PAL, VICE PRESIDENT 7. SHRI RG HEBBAR, VICE PRESIDENT 8. SHRI S ROY CHOUDHURY, GENERAL SECRETARY 9. SHRI R VAIDYANATHAN, JT. GENERAL SECY. 10. SHRI DIPANKAR MITRA, JT. GENERAL SECY. 11. SHRI GOVIND SRIVASTAV, DY. GENERAL SECY. 12. SHRI ASHOK HANDA, DY. GENERAL SECY. 13. SHRI K JAGADEESH, DY. GENERAL SECY. 14. SHRI K KESHARY, DY. GENERAL SECY.
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The Management informed the All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation that the issues which are bearing financial burden/ additional financial burden will be subject to approval of the Competent Authority.
Both the Management and the All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation agreed to continue with bilateral discussions for maintaining healthy industrial relations and for growth and prosperity of the Bank. The Management requested the All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation to withdraw their current agitation programme. The All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation agreed to take necessary steps in this respect.
The next bilateral meeting will be held in the last week of April, 2010.
Ref.: Com /EC/ 25 / 2009-12 March 9, 2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members
Sub : Decision to set up City Back Offices not implemented
We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/45/2009-12 dated 9th March, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned.
Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote
“You may kindly note that in the Small Committee Meeting between Bank and our Federation held on 1st August 2009 where the Committee on CBS was formed, it was minutised to set up City Back Office (CBO) initially at New Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar & Trivandrum (Ernakulam).
It was mentioned that the City Back Offices will function initially from the above centres, after getting clearance from system and procedure committee and CORM. The decision of the committee is still not implemented after nearly SIX months.
Further, on the same issue in the 26th October, 2009 CBS Committee meeting, it was recorded that the centralised clearing and ECS would be taken up in the first phase and staffing pattern of CBO will be finalised by General Manager, Personnel Services.
Federation had pointed out that a decision to utilise the award staff to be rendered surplus on account of commissioning of City Back Offices also has to be taken by General Manager, Personnel Services.
A detailed date schedule for City Back Offices as mentioned below was agreed in the subsequent CBS committee meeting on 7th December 2009
a) Clearance form System and procedure committee---- by 31st Dec.2009 b) Clearance from CORM from operational risk issues---by 7th Jan.2010 c) GM PSD to come out with manpower requirement----by 7th Jan.2010 d) Joint committee of four executives to formulate scheme for implementing the scheme(setting up CBO)----by 7th Jan 2010
Unfortunately, Bank could not adhere to the above-mentioned time-frame and no progress is visible in this regard.
We would like to point out that Federation has been harping upon the issue of setting up of City Back Offices in all major centres and metros for the past two years since the very purpose of CBS was to facilitate clearing of cheques at a centralised back office which will take over all clearing of cheques both inward and outward including ECS and with cheque truncation in position.
The next objective behind setting up of City Back Offices was to take over the entire back office job at the service outlet (SOL) by issuing a comprehensive kit to all new account holders by opening of all accounts, and to act as a KIOSK for processing all retail loan products.
We had also pointed out that the pilot project in City Back Office; Chennai is handling all clearing operations including ECS inward and outward successfully for a year or so. Inspite of pilot project being very successful at Chennai, Bank is yet to commissioning of City Back Offices in all major centres.
The implementation of CBS commenced in our Bank in July 2006 and even after three years we do not have a full fledged City Back Office any where in the country speaks volumes of the efficacy of our functioning.
Under this backdrop, we seek your immediate intervention on this issue since the benefit of CBS will not be realised unless we derive the maximum benefit for the Bank and its customers.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary” Unquote
Ref.: Com /EC/ 24 / 2009-12 March 6, 2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members
Sub : Pending CBS issues requiring immediate attention
We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/ 44 /2009-12 dated 6th March, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned.
Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote You are aware that we have been bringing the attention of bank to numerous problems in CBS branches causing tremendous amount of inconveniences and hardships to the customers and officers of the branches. Keeping this in view bank decided to form a Committee on CBS comprising representatives of bank and our Federation. We have already informed you that after two meetings, Bank unilaterally decided to postpone further meetings of the said Committee without addressing the issues raised by us. We, therefore, draw your kind attention to the following issues on CBS for favour of your perusal and necessary action.
However, the present position is that even the above mentioned statements are being called for from the service out lets [SOLs].
Federation suggested that in order to ensure completeness and correctness of data input, an incentive scheme can be worked out and a special team be formed to do this one-time exercise.
Though the management in the sub-committee meeting held on 7th December 2009 mentioned that a scheme will be formulated by 7th January 2010, the decision has not been implemented till date.
Moreover, there is a lot of redundancy in the clerical/CTO/Special Assistants in the CBS-environment. Further, the industry norm of 500 vouchers per CTO, which is uniformly followed by many Banks, has been totally disregarded in our Bank. We find that the Bank has proliferated this allowance-carrying post and as on date the average voucher handled by a CTO is around 100 only. Federation has been repeatedly pointed out that the clerical staff rendered surplus on account of implementation of CBS and on commissioning of CBO has to be redeployed for recovery and CASA drive.
This aspect to be addressed by G.M. [PSD] as demanded by the Federation in the CBS sub-committee meeting has evoked no response till date. Even the implementation of “CTO-B” concept has not been done at all in any of the outlets despite our repeated reminders on this issue.
The issue remains unresolved despite commitment that it will be discussed in the subsequent sub-committee.
Though the management agreed to post 3 Officers in all CBS branches while deciding the categorization of posts, this has never been implemented. We find that single-Officer branches are more than 100 all over India and in these branches the clerical staff are handling the post of ABH thereby exposing the Bank to great risk. The newly-recruited Probationary Officers of 2009 & 2010 batch are given only ‘viewing powers’ [CTO-A] and are not able to perform the job of a free-user or ABH. Therefore, a situation has emerged that in many branches an Officer is performing a role of a BH with a bank’s power of attorney vested on him and a clerical hand without any power vested in him is performing a role of second-in-command [ABH].
This situation can only be avoided if a minimum of 2 Officers are posted in all the above branches and in the immediate future all CBS branches are given a minimum strength of 3 Officers.
In view of the above, we request you to advise the department to attach top priority to the above issues and address them immediately with a view to mitigate the problems of CBS branches resulting in tremendous amount of inconveniences to the officers.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary” Unquote
Ref.: Com /EC/ 23 / 2009-12 March 5, 2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members
Sub : Serious Systematic Fault in CBS : Customers’ Interest in Insecurity
We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/ 42 /2009-12 dated 1st March, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned. Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote “Kindly note that Federation has been pointing out in the CBS sub committee meetings from October 2009 onwards that a serious systemic fault lies in our implementation of CBS, which might lead to large scale frauds being perpetrated on the Bank.
In CBS if two "free users" join, they can tamper with any customer's account and fraudulently withdraw any amount all across the 2,154 SOLs in the country under CBS, since 100% of the Bank's business has been already captured in CBS. If a BH and ABH join to commit such a fraud, then it will devastate the Bank. We have already brought to your notice and to the CBS sub committee, that a Branch Head and Asst. Branch Head have colluded and "reversed" a CI (customer induced credit) with a BI(Bank induced) debit without any cheque or written mandate from customer, in an INTERSOL transaction involving a branch in New Delhi and a branch in Kolkata.
In many progressive banks, we understand that a customer account can be debited through a BI only for charges for cheque returns/folio charges/incidental charges etc. and there is a cap in the amount that can be reversed by a Bank Induced debit.
We have been asking for a solution to this issue through the Sub Committee meetings and the only reply we get, “This is no fault of the system (CBS) and the entire INTERSOL facility will fail if restrictions are imposed on Free users”.
Under this backdrop, we request you to advise the department to put in place adequate security measures by taking necessary inputs from other Banks which have effectively tackled the issue, so that in CBS branches, fraudsters are not given free hand to perpetrate frauds at their sweet will through the loopholes in the system and cause irreparable damage to the Bank; both financially and tarnishing the image of the bank and put customers’ interest in jeopardy.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary” Unquote Ref.: Com /EC/ 22 / 2009-12 March 5, 2010 All Office Bearers & E.C. Members Sub : Problems of CBS Branches We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/ 41 /2009-12 dated 26th February, 20100 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned. Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote “You are aware that we had addressed several letters to Bank highlighting the problems of CBS branches affecting customer service and causing serious inconveniences to the Officers. It was expected that CBS would be customer as well as staff friendly. But, it has proved otherwise. As problems of CBS branches required in-depth study to comprehend and address them logically for the benefit of Bank, customers and officers, a Committee comprising representatives of Management and our Federation as mentioned below was constituted in the IR Meeting of 01.08.2009 to take necessary action in this regard :
1. Shri S C Dhole, GM (IT & HR) 2. Shri S Choudhary, DGM(IT), Convenor 3. Senior Executive from Strategic Planning 4. Senior Executive from Risk Management 5. Shri S Roy Choudhury, General Secretary, AIUCBOF 6. Shri R Vaidyanathan, Dy. General Secretary, AIUCBOF
On the day of formation of the Committee i.e. on 1.8.2009, Federation submitted 26 issues on CBS for discussion and the minutes were signed and exchanged on the same day and it was decided that the meetings of the Committee shall be held at least once in a month.
The Committee had 2(two) rounds of meeting on 26.10.2009 & 07.12.2009. The meetings appeared to be purposeful and meaningful due to active participation of representatives of Bank and our Federation. Numbers of intricate issues pertaining to CBS were taken up for discussion and the members of the Committee placed their valuable views and suggestions to address these issues with a view to eliminating some serious problems and difficulties prevalent in CBS environment.
In the last meeting of Committee on CBS held on 07.12.2009, it was decided to hold the next meeting of the Committee on 18th January 2010 to discuss several pending issues on CBS, which required immediate solution. Unfortunately, at the very last minute, Bank informed us of the postponement of the said meeting for the reasons best known to them.
Since then more than two and half months have passed. But, we have not heard anything from Bank about next date of meeting of Committee on CBS. The constitution of the Committee was taken in right direction. It appeared that Bank was serious to resolve the problems in CBS environment through mutual discussion. We were also confident that sincere efforts of the Committee shall help to resolve the problems of CBS branches to a great extent, make the system customer and staff friendly and extend some sort of relief to the Officers from the curse of deregulated working hours prevalent in CBS branches. The decision to postpone meeting of the Committee for indefinite period is, therefore, a retrograde step. Moreover, Bank’s unilateral decision to postpone meeting of the Committee on CBS formed in the IR Meeting of 01.8.2009 indicates Bank’s utter disregard to IR mechanism and hence, unnecessarily embitters the IR relationship.
Under this backdrop, we seek your intervention in the matter and request you to direct the department to hold meeting of the Committee without further loss of time, if Bank sincerely desires to address the problems of CBS branches. Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary” Unquote
Ref.: Com /EC/ 19 / 2009-12 February 23, 2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members
Re.: Incentives from Life Insurance Corporation of India
We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/39/2009-12 dated 23rd February, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned. Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote “You are aware that in addition to payment of commission to Bank on account of bancassurance business, LICI extends some incentives and prizes to Branches, Specified Persons and Bank’s Marketing Officials posted at Zonal Offices. As such the concerned employees of eligible branches and Zonal Offices are entitled to these incentives or prizes, which are given in addition to payment of commission to Bank by LICI. Moreover, all expenses on this score are borne by LICI only.
We understand from some of our Units that at places, Bank is denying the benefits of incentives and prizes to its employees although in most of the cases, Bank had received the same from LICI. We cite below the names of the Zones where benefits of incentives and prizes to employees for the year 2007-08 & 2008-09 have been denied by Bank.
1. Chandigarh; 2. Raipur; 3. New Delhi; 4. Ranchi; 5. Mumbai; 6. Guwahati; 7. Cuttack; 8. Bhubaneswar; 9. Jodhpur; 10. Jaipur; 11. Burdwan; 12. Kolkata; 13. Howrah.
In view of the above, we request you to advise the department to take immediate steps for payment of LICI incentives to all eligible branches, specified persons and Marketing Officials posted at Zonal Offices for whom LICI have already parked money with Bank.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary” Unquote
Ref.: Com /EC/ 18 / 2009-12 February 22, 2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members
Sub : Revision of Dependency Criteria for Parents/Family under Medical Attendance & Treatment Rules and LTC Rules
We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/ 37 /2009-12 dated 22nd February, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned. Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote “Kindly note that we have come across with a Corporate Personnel Circular No. 431/2000 dated 03.1.2000 of National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. on the above subject. A copy of the said circular is enclosed for your information and ready reference.
The relevant portion of the Circular as contained in point 3 of the Circular under reference is quoted below for your perusal and necessary action.
Quote “Further in view of the recent Supreme Court judgement, a decision has been taken that parents who are wholly dependent on the employee shall be covered under the definition of family irrespective of the pension they are drawing. This shall be applicable only in respect of Medical Attendance & Treatment Rules.” Unquote
Under the circumstance, we request you to advise the department to take up the matter with IBA so that the benefit as stated above arising from Supreme Court judgment may be extended to our Officers and employees.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary” Unquote
Ref.: Com /EC/ 17 / 2009-12 February 22, 2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members
Sub: Request for Payment of additional increment(s) to those directly recruited Officers who passed CAIIB Examination in their erstwhile employment before joining our Bank
We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/ 36 /2009-12 dated 22nd February, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned.
Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote “We have come to know from some of our Units that Bank is declining to grant additional increment(s) to those directly recruited Officers who passed CAIIB examination in their erstwhile employment before joining our Bank.
We think that Bank’s decision to refuse payment of additional increment(s) as stated above is highly illogical and arbitrary. CAIIB increment(s) is awarded to an Officer as a mark of recognition for gaining sufficient knowledge in all fields of banking operations by passing CAIIB examination, which helps him to perform his duties in a more efficient and competent manner. The granting of additional increment(s) for passing CAIIB examination is essentially an encouragement to employees and officers by Banks with the perception that they would be more knowledgeable and competent to contribute for the growth and development of Banks. The monetary benefits accruing from additional increments(s) continue throughout the service life of an Officer.
Moreover, these Officers were not recruited in the Bank solely on the strength of qualification of CAIIB examination so that it can be denied after recruitment.
It also appears that by passing CAIIB examination in their erstwhile employment before joining our Bank, these Officers have committed a blunder as their batch-mates who would pass CAIIB examination after joining our Bank, shall continue to get benefit of one or two additional increments throughout their service life. This is a clear case of discrimination, which needs to be addressed immediately.
We understand that the Managing Committee of IBA in its meeting held on 3rd September, 1986 agreed that the best course would be to let public sector banks take their own view in the matter. Reportedly, the peer banks are granting additional increment(s) for passing CAIIB examination to such category of officers as stated above. Keeping in view the high rate of attrition and difficulty to retain good and experienced people, our bank should not take a retrograde and demotivating step to deny increment(s) on account of passing CAIIB in their erstwhile employment.
It is reported that in past, our Bank granted additional increment(s) for passing CAIIB examination to few POs who passed CAIIB examination in their clerical cadre in our Bank before joining us as PO.
In view of the above, we request you to consider the matter and advise the department to take necessary steps for granting of additional increment(s) to those directly recruited Officers who passed CAIIB examination in their erstwhile employment before joining our Bank as a directly recruited officer.
We look forward to an early action from your end in this regard.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary” Unquote
Ref.: Com /EC/ 16 / 2009-12 February 22, 2010
All Office Bearers & E.C. Members
Re.: Recruitment of Probationary Officers in JMGS-I –Terms and Conditions – Clarification
Please refer to our common letter no.Com/EC/8/2009-12 dated 13.1.2010 containing contents of our letter no. Mg/21/2009-12 dated 12th January 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on “Request for payment of salary and allowances and all other benefits to Probationary Officers of 2009 & 2010 batch in terms of OSR”.
Now, we are happy to inform that Bank has partly acceded to our request. Vide letter no.HO/HRD/RECR/01/2010 dated 18.1.2010 to all Zonal Offices & FGM Offices, Bank has conveyed its decision that newly recruited Probationary Officers during their period of probation, except salary and allowances, which is substituted by monthly consolidated stipend, may be permitted to all other benefits like Leave, TA/DA, Medical Aid etc. as permissible under the UCO Bank Officers’ Service Regulation. We enclose a copy of the said letter of Bank for circulation among POs of 2009 & 2010 batch.
We are hopeful that the decision of the Bank to partly accede to our request to pay all other benefits as per OSR as stated above except salary and allowances shall provide considerable relief to the POs of 2009 & 2010 batch. However, our efforts for payment of salary and allowances to them in terms of OSR continue.
This is for information of all concerned. Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary
Ref.: Com/EC/ 15 /2009-2012 15th February, 2010
To All Office Bearers & E C Members
Sub.: Organisational Action Programme kept in Abeyance
Please refer to our Common letter no. Com/EC/13/2009-12 dated 4th February 2010 wherein we communicated the decision of the Secretariat of Federation taken in its meeting at Ahmedabad on 25/1/2010 on Organisational Action Programmes, which inter-alia include area-wise Strike by members on various dates.
Vide our letter no.Mg/30/2009-2012 dated 03.02.2010, we served Strike Notice to Bank with copies to The Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Kolkata, The Regional Labour Commissioner (Central), Kolkata and Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), New Delhi. In terms of constitutional provisions, Shri V K Pandey, The Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), convened a Conciliation Meeting between Bank and our Federation at his chamber on 15.2.2010 at 3.00 p.m. Bank Management was represented by Shri G N Shukla, General Manager, Personnel Services and Shri S De, Chief Officer while Federation was represented by Com. J C Shandil, the undersigned and Com. Md. Nasiruddin, President, General Secretary and Senior Vice-President of Federation respectively. We quote below the decisions of the Conciliation meeting for information of all concerned.
QUOTE
“Parties appeared. Union rept. Explained the issues in brief, although their written Memorandum is placed in the file. Mgt. rept. could not submit their written comments but they assured that on 16-17 March, 10, date for holding the meeting is fixed wherein all these issues will be discussed and they are hopeful that disputes will be resolved. Mgt. rept. is asked to submit their written comments by 26.2.10 and a copy should be handed over to the union for examination of facts and to submit rejoinder if any, in the next meeting. Union is advised not to resort to proposed strike on dates as shown in their annnuxure in different locations and to adopt Constitutional means for resolving the issues.
Next date is fixed on 23-03-10 at 3 p.m. Sd/- V. K. Pandey 15.2.10” UNQUOTE
In view of the Conciliation Meeting of 15.2.2010, it has been decided to keep the on-going Organisational Action Programme in abeyance. We, therefore, request you to act accordingly and restore normalcy immediately.
With warm greetings, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury . General Secretary
Ref.: Circular No.10/2009-12 11th February, 2010
To All Office Bearers, E.C. Members, Delegate & Observers & Direct Members
Sub : RESOLUTIONS
We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/32/2009-2012 dated 8th February, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned.
Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote “You are aware that the 7th Triennial Conference of our Federation was held at Hyderabad from November 14 to 16, 2009. The Delegates and Observers adopted number of Resolutions on various subjects. We enclose the following six Resolutions for your kind perusal and necessary action.
1. Regulated Working Hours for the Officers’ Community. 2. Staff-Shortage, Recruitment of Staff. 3. Ill Treatment & Misbehaviour by Executives. 4. Accountability. 5. Conduct and Disciplinary Rules; Prolonged Suspensions; Disproportionate and Harsh Punishments; Appeals and Review Petitions; Sealed Cover Procedure; Harassment by CVC/CBI etc. 6. Reallocation of Zonal Offices & Branches.
Yours faithfully, Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary” Unquote Encl.: Resolutions
Resolution
Regulated Working Hours FOR THE OFFICERS’ COMMUNITY
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 observes with grave concern the menace of deregulated working hours in the Banking Industry. The officers working in the Banking Industry have been virtually slogging for 14-15 hours every day including Sundays & Holidays to keep the branch work upto date, to meet the ever increasing aspirations/ expectations of the customers and the expectations of the Controlling Offices. Every officer is working under tremendous pressure as the demand of the controlling offices from the officers as regards to prompt and quick submission of returns, statements, closure of inspection report within the stipulated period, ensuing complaint-free-customer service, to achieve the targets under various parameters fixed by the Bank, recovery of NPAs, effective controlling & monitoring of advance accounts etc. Every day new products are launched, new computer packages are introduced and the officers are expected to assimilate the knowledge and skills to handle the emerging situations. As a consequence, the Officers’ Community is bogged down with more and more burden of work in the branches and officers have to slog from dawn to dusk.
This situation is the direct result of shortage of staff in the branches/offices. There have been no fresh recruitments in Banking Industry from 1983 onwards and there was an exodus of highly skilled and professional bankers from the Banks under VRS-2000. There was no matching recruitment of personnel, thereby leaving the Officers’ Community in the Banking Industry to carry the burden of ever increasing work load, forcing them to spend more time in the Bank and less time with there families and children. Banks have not embarked upon recruitment drive with the alibi that banking operations have been computerised and Core Banking Solutions have been introduced, which reduced the work load on the officers. It is only a presumption and wishful thinking on part of the Bank Management as officers are forced to stay back even for elongated hours and perform workmen jobs as those have been kept out of the domain of the workmen staff in CBS system.
This has adversely affected the motivation, health and happiness of the Officers’ Community and the officers are so much frustrated and disillusioned with their jobs in the Bank. Nevertheless, the officers have been giving their best for the concerted growth of the Branch/ Bank.
In this background, the Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November, 2009, urges the Management to introduce regulated working hours for the Bank officers and enable them to work with enthusiasm, zest and zeal in achieving the goals and objectives placed before them and this should be done on a priority basis so as to avoid the ever increasing frustration and demoralisation of the Officers’ Community.
Sd/- Sd/- J C Shandil S Roy Choudhury President General Secretary
Resolution
STAFF Shortage, RECRUITMENT OF STAFF
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 discusses the issue of staff shortage in the banking industry. The Banking Industry has been undergoing metamorphic changes in the wake of the liberalisation process embarked upon by the Government of India. The new technology initiatives undertaken by the Banks especially the Public Sector Banks were expected to result in surplus manpower as a sequel to which the Government of India thought it fit to get rid of excess staff through the scheme for Voluntary Retirement in the Public Sector Banks. The Voluntary Retirement Scheme was an irresistible temptation for the employees and officers working in the Public Sector Banks. As a consequence, a large number of experienced, professional bankers left the Banks, leaving the Public Sector Banks in a state of acute shortage of manpower as the Banks were not permitted to recruit fresh manpower to make good the deficit. Moreover, every year, there is large-scale exodus of officers and employees under normal retirement, resignation, voluntary retirement, termination etc.
In UCO Bank, the recruitment had almost come to a halt since last two decades. However, branch opening continued, business has been growing and the new initiatives which have been introduced have attracted huge business to the bank. All these aspects have been adding work pressure on the existing staff. Officers are compelled to work upto or beyond 8 p.m. every day, as well as on Sundays & Holidays resulting in health problems for them. This is evident from the fact that health problems of general nature and serious nature like heart ailment, diabetes, hyper tension etc., are common amongst officers. They are not in a position to avail leave even for urgent and important reasons.
We have been representing these issues in every forum available to us, and have made this as an agenda item for all the agitations and strike actions put forth in the recent past. During the last two years, recruitment of clerks and promotion/appointment of officers was made on a very smaller scale. But Bank’s ambitious spree of branch expansion has absorbed these new recruits, still leaving a huge shortage of staff and officers at branches. This position apart from affecting the health of the officers will expose them to avoidable risk and eventually landing them in to the net of disciplinary proceedings. The important agenda is to demand posting of minimum component of staff in all the existing and new branches.
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November, 2009 resolves to express its strong resentment over the apathy of Management and calls upon them to initiate immediate steps to recruit staff/officers and promote on expeditious basis.
Sd/- Sd/- J C Shandil S Roy Choudhury President General Secretary
Resolution
ILL TREATMENT & MISBEHAVIOUR BY EXECUTIVES
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 observes that in the present day competitive banking, the Bank Management resorts to oppressive measures to achieve the targets set at Corporate Level. There is no denying of the fact that survival of the Bank depends on attaining or nearing the industry average in the business parameters. However, to achieve the desired results the motto should be to work hand in hand and in unison. Collective efforts of all cadres always yield good result.
In sharp contrast to the desired mutual co-operation required for development of any institution, we observe numerous instances of executive misbehaviour at various tiers without any justifiable ground. In fact, the inefficient executives take the advantage of their management hierarchy and indulge in atrocities and oppressive actions against the subordinates. It is very unfortunate that at times, few executives breach all barriers of insensible behaviours and hurl derogatory remarks even to the lady officers.
Under this backdrop, The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 resolves to express strong protest against any incident of misbehaviour and ill-treatment by the executives and swears to take strong organisational actions and call upon each and every member to rise to the occasion and confront the unruly executives in appropriate manner.
Sd/- Sd/- J C Shandil S Roy Choudhury President General Secretary
Resolution
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 wishes to stress that establishing accountability is not finding scapegoats. Unfortunately, the present practice in the banks is to find a scapegoat, that too some junior officer at operating level, in the name of accountability. Particularly, it is noticed that in the matter of failure of advances, accountability of officers at operational levels is predominantly fixed while the pressures created by the higher authorities and the casual approach of the officials at controlling offices are treated lightly. The increase in the number of charge-sheets during the last couple of years is illustrative of such dangerous trend in the recent times.
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November, 2009 desires that the accountability should be fixed right from the Board to lowest levels, for loan losses. In the context of fixing the accountability, the questions whether the sanctioning authority has acted within his delegated powers, whether he has acted under political or other pressures, whether he has acted on other considerations, whether or not he has made proper appraisal of the loan proposal, should be thoroughly examined. In short, accountability should be fixed after following due procedure and on the basis of facts and circumstances, on persons really responsible irrespective of hierarchical position they may be occupying. In the case of target-oriented lending as well as other advances made in good faith under the present competitive environment, an objective and overall view should be taken by the controllers, especially with regard to errors of judgment.
Sd/- Sd/- J C Shandil S Roy Choudhury President General Secretary
Resolution
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY RULES; PROLONGED SUSPENSIONS; DISPROPORTIONATE AND HARSH PUNISHMENTS; APPEALS AND REVIEW PETITIONS; SEALED COVER PROCEDURE; HARASSMENT BY CVC/CBI ETC.
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 calls for a comprehensive review of the Conduct and Disciplinary Rules of the Officer-employees presently in force in the bank. The rules are outdated and are negative in character. The present rules make it almost impossible for Officer-employees to use their discretion and judgment, keeping in view the changes in the banking environment. It is necessary for the Government and the bank Managements to create a climate wherein the Officers will be encouraged to take risks, use judgment and discretion and not feel shackled by the obscurantist conduct rules. This Conference urges the Government and the Bank Managements to initiate an early dialogue with the representative organisation of the bank officers, for the purpose of drawing up a new set of positive guidelines to govern the conduct of the Officers.
This Delegate Session expresses its deep concern over inordinate delays in concluding disciplinary proceedings, unwarranted and unjustified suspensions which continue for indefinite periods and the tendency on the part of the disciplinary authorities to impose upon officers punishments, harsh and disproportionate to the lapses alleged against them.
This Delegate Session notes that for want of a due procedure and secretarial arrangements, the Appellate Authorities/Review Committees do not give the appeals/review petitions, time and attention that are called for. The appeals/review petitions are dismissed in a routine manner without due consideration to the various contentions raised by the appellate/petitioner and no speaking order is made.
The sealed cover procedure and debarment policy, have several lapses. The systems must be rationalised; several individual officers have suffered injustice because of the infirmities in the sealed cover procedure.
This Delegate Session also notes with concern that the interference from CBI and CVC in the matter of Disciplinary Proceedings have assumed alarming proportions in recent times.
This Delegate Session also urges the Banking Department to come out with appropriate guidelines to Banks for protection of the innocent officers from Police harassment in the name of investigation.
This Delegate Session reiterates its demands for taking out the Officers’ Community from the purview of CVC and for establishment of an independent Vigilance Commission for Banks.
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 calls upon the Management to bring about a synthesis of the various rules, practices and policies in regard to the disciplinary matters so that Officers are authorities.
Sd/- Sd/- J C Shandil S Roy Choudhury President General Secretary
Resolution
Reallocation of Zonal Offices & Branches
The Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 discusses, among other matter, the continuance of large zones with large number of branches, which create inconvenience and difficulty in controlling, monitoring, and advisory functions of the zones.
The House expresses serious concern on continuance of large zones vis-à-vis banks’ reluctance to reallocate them. It is extremely difficult for any zonal office to effectively control and monitor large number of branches. This is creating tremendous pressure on the officers of the zones to meet the demands of bank for compliance of various instructions in time. In large zones, the branches are also not receiving proper guidance and advice from the zonal office to discharge their duties efficiently and correctly. The pressure on officers working in large zones is becoming unbearable and bank is also failing to get desired business results. Ultimately, the stigma of non-performance is leveled on the executives and officers of such zones. It is observed that most of the peer banks reallocate their zones in such a manner that there are 40 to 45 branches under one zone, which enable them to guide, monitor and control the branches efficiently.
Under this backdrop, the Delegate Session of the 7th Triennial Conference of All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation held at Hyderabad on 15th & 16th November 2009 strongly demands reallocation of zones and branches with 40 to 45 branches under one zone to ensure effective monitoring, controlling and advisory functions of the zones, which would ultimately help the bank to prosper and grow.
Sd/- Sd/- J C Shandil S Roy Choudhury President General Secretary
Ref.: Circular No.9/2009-12 11th February, 2010
To All Office Bearers, E.C. Members, Delegate & Observers & Direct Members
Sub : RESOLUTIONS
We reproduce hereunder the full text of our letter No. Mg/31/2009-2012 dated 6th February, 2010 addressed to the Chairman & Managing Director on the above subject for information of all concerned..
Sd/- S Roy Choudhury General Secretary Quote “You are aware that the 7th Triennial Conference of our Federation was held at Hyderabad from November 14 to 16, 2009. The Delegates and Observers adopted number of Resolutions on various subjects. We enclose the following two Resolutions for your kind perusal.
1. Business Development. 2. NPA Recovery. &n |
