Outcome of Bipartite Talks UFBU had with IBA on 29-9-2023

The Negotiating Committee Meeting held on September 29, 2023, between the United Forum of Bank Unions and the Indian Banks Association discussed the following issues.

1. Request for furnishing the details of establishment expenses to help the Unions quantify their wage revision demand.
2. Demand for early introduction of 5 banking days per week.
3. Demand for absorbing Special Allowance with basic pay.
4. On Retirees’ medical insurance policy for 2023-24, Unions requested the IBA to take an early decision on bearing the insurance premium by the respective Banks.
5. Approval of the Government for extending 100%  DA for the pre-November 2002 pensioners as per our MOU signed on 28-7- 2023.
6. The formation of subcommittees to discuss the issues raised by the unions can be delved into with proper details before making the decision.

Unions wanted to know the details of establishment expenses, number of employees and officers under OPS and NPS, stage-wise/area-wise number of employees, impact on cost of superannuation benefits, etc. They requested the IBA that the above details help the Unions quantify their demand and also asked the IBA to make their initial offer so the matter could be further negotiated and resolved. IBA has assured that the required data will be provided to UFBU within a week.

While furnishing the details of establishment expenses of the PSBs for the year ended 31.03.2022 IBA said that same would be taken as the basis for further negotiations on our demands.

For Unions demanded for early introduction of 5 banking days per week and IBA informed that the issue is still under consideration by higher authorities and various stakeholders. The unions insisted upon IBA to expedite the matter.

In reply to Unions demand for absorbing Special Allowance with basic pay, IBA informed that the issue is sub-judice since all concerned cases are now before the Delhi High Court. However, Unions insisted that an amicable solution should be arrived at on this issue.

On Retiree’s medical insurance policy for 2023-24, Unions requested the IBA to take an early decision on bearing the insurance premium by the respective Banks. IBA informed that due to the changes made in the scheme as per our MOU dated 19-7-2023, the premium for 2023-24 for the entry-level Base Policy of Rs. 2 lacs has been worked out at Rs. 22,419 as compared to Rs. 41,334 for Rs. 3 lacs and Rs. 57,808 for Rs. 4 lacs under the previous year’s policy. IBA agreed to discuss the issue further.

Unions also raised the issue of updation of pension and giving an opportunity for the resigned employees/officers to join the pension scheme. IBA informed that these issues can be discussed further in the subsequent meetings.

In reply to Unions inquiry about the approval of the Government for extending 100%  DA for the pre-November 2002 pensioners as per our MOU signed on 28-7- 2023, IBA said that they are pursuing the matter with the  Government

To discuss the following issues in detail, a sub-committee has been formed so that the issues raised by the unions can be delved with proper details before taking a decision, the communication said.

1. Revised DA scheme under 12th BPS/9th Joint Note
2. Disciplinary Action & Procedure provisions for award staff
3. Disciplinary Action & Procedure Regulations for officers
4. Leave rules and LFC benefits for award staff and officers
5. Review of duties of Special Pay posts for award staff

It was decided to fix the dates for sub-committee meetings to continue the discussions and thereafter hold the meeting of the negotiating committee to take the discussion further forward.

“Discussions were positive from the side of IBA to reach a mutually acceptable quantum of increase and it was decided to take the discussions forward in the next round of meetings”, said UFBU constituents.

Source: UFBU circular