The meeting of the UFBU (United Forum of Bank Unions) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) was held on June 21, 2023, in Mumbai. The important discussions and outcomes taken place in the meeting are explained below.
Medical Insurance Scheme: The representatives of Unions have submitted their suggestions in detail like clubbing the policies of in-service employees and retirees, working out a base policy with defined risk coverage, graded bed charges, the cap on reimbursement for certain specified treatments like a cataract operation, old age ailments, etc., and premium for this base policy to be borne by the Banks and further Top Up schemes on an optional basis for which the additional premium will be paid by the retirees, a method to avoid GST on the premium, etc.
Outcome: IBA assured to examine these suggestions. Regarding the involvement of more insurance companies/bidders, IBA said that in order to involve more insurance companies/bidders they may consider working out a uniform policy for the retirees along with a uniform policy for the in-service employees and the quotations may be obtained at each Bank level or alternatively reimbursement of hospitalization expenses by the management instead of taking a policy cover. In this regard, UBFU representatives told them these issues require further discussions before taking a decision. In reply, IBA informed that they would further discuss the matter among themselves.
TPAs: UFBU brought to the attention of the IBA, the problems faced by employees, officers, and retirees with some of the TPAs whose services are not satisfactory. They informed IBA about complaints that TPAs are again and again asking for original bills even after the same is already submitted to them. UFBU informed the IBA that while finalizing the Policy with the Insurance Company, these problems should be properly addressed.
Outcome: IBA agreed to evolve a separate system in the HRMS where the original bills can be uploaded online and authorized by the Managers.
5 days banking: With regard to the implementation of 5 days banking, IBA assured that the matter is receiving their best attention and the same is very much in the process. However, UFBU representatives conveyed their dissatisfaction over the delay and that it is difficult to keep further patience in this regard.
Updation of pension and improvement in Pension scheme: Union representatives draw the attention of IBA and concern regarding the updation of pension and improvement in the Pension scheme. UFBU leaders also took up the issue of DA neutralization on pension for pre-November, 2002 retirees and emphasized that this issue also needs to be resolved amicably.
Outcome: IBA informed that they are quite seized of the matter and to discuss the issue further.
Charter of Demands for 12th BP Wage Revision: UFBU in its circular dated June 22, 2023, mentioned that they have informed IBA about the inordinate delay in negotiation on the 12th BP Wage Revision and the delay is a matter of concern to them.
Outcome: After discussion, IBA indicated that the negotiations may commence by mid-July, 2023.
Adequate recruitment in Banks: IBA stated that recruitments are a bank-level issue and hence IBA has no role in the matter. However, Unions did not agree with the IBA.
Source: UFBU circular dated:22.06.2023
