IS A SEPARATE PAY COMMISSION FOR BANK STAFF REQUIRED NOW?---By Subramanian
This is a good question which is to be asked by all youngsters.
Now, let me explain.
Until 4th BPS, salaries and service conditions of bank staff
were very good. Our leaders of those times were really selfless and made many
sacrifices, undergoing untold suffering. They proved to the world the power and
strength of bipartite negotiations between the managements and the true
representatives of the staff. The bipartite mechanism worked very well, much to
the envy of persons in all other industries and sectors. Banking sector showed
the way for insurance and then followed Central PSUs and then Central/State
Government staff.
But, the downhill journey of bank staff started from 5th BPS and
it is still continuing.
In the aftermath of 5th CPC, our UFBU friends must have woken
up; but, they did not.
Next came 6th CPC. At least this time, our friends should have
realised their folly. No, they didn't.
If 8th BPS was a sell-out, 9th BPS was an act of betrayal. None
of the staff felt satisfied, leave alone happy.
What happened in the 9th BPS?
For exercising second option for pension, all the staff in
service had to forego about 4% of their wage increase (out of 17.5% increase)
mutually agreed upon. Thus, the net increase in wages fell down significantly
for the serving employees. They got only 75% of the promised hike in wages and
they felt cheated.
To add insult to the injury, all serving staff who had not opted
for pension in the past had to pay 2.8 times their revised pay for November,
2007 to fund the shortfall in the pension corpus. Because of this, thousands of
staff did not get any arrears due to wage revision. On the contrary, thousands
of staff had to pay from their pocket for getting pension benefit, over and
above the arrears amount they must have otherwise got. This is the height of
injustice and cruelty.
The old pensioners did not stand to any gain, because their
pension was not revised in tune with the new pay scales and wages. They too
were terribly disappointed.
Thus, the 9th BPS caused a great heartburn everywhere and it invited
criticism and wrath from all sections - 1. Serving employees 2. New pension
optees (in service) and 3. Old pensioners (already retired staff).
Then, whom did it benefit?
It benefited all the Trade Unions in banks at the national level
(central unions), bank level and state level. They collected unprecedentedly
huge amount as levy from the members and shared the booty (running into
hundreds of Crores) among themselves in the pre-determined ratio. Thus, all the
top union leaders literally rolled on money.
Now, we have come to the stage that these UFBU is no longer
capable, effective and trustworthy and hence reverting to old type wage
boards/commissions for bankers on the lines of Desai Award and Sastry Award is
the only way out.
Nevertheless, this demand for a separate Pay Commission for
bankers emanated only from the members. The Union leaders vehemently oppose the
proposal citing historical reasons which are no longer relevant and no longer
in existence today.
Now, you tell me, what shall we do?
Date: 21-10-2013
V Subramanian
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMuch is being said and written about the present pathetic condition of the banking fraternity and the down slide from once upon a time coveted bank job. None of the anger, dismay, frustration and the intellectual ideas are translating into reality at the ground level. Time is neigh to make the transition from paper tigers to assertive employees who play a critical function in the economy.
ReplyDeleteDear Sir,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading all your blogs since the Wage Revision topic started spreading all over India.The blogs are very interesting and it really gives a boost among the young bankers.
I think we should go for a separate pay commission as the present generation will never stand by the UNION as they have become NPA to the association.They are just thinking about themselves like enjoying better postings in City Branches and their presence in branch also bring roadblocks in working as they too brainwash other staff members to become NPA for the branch.
Sir I request you to create a platform so that the ill effects of Banking Industry which has been demolished by our so called future breadearners(UFBU) could bring a limelight in the society,we should start involving media communication for our future blogs.
regards
Dhruba Debnath
Union do not have enough courage to do this. They think about themselves that's why youngsters like me not devotees to ur union
ReplyDeleteWe are waiting 10th Bipartite settlement since Nov 12 & efforts of our UNION LEADERS. One after one meeting date indicate us that we are being fooled by our OWN UNION LEADERS.
ReplyDeleteIts true former union's efforts was fruitful but now it seems FUTILE.
The demand of new association would not come fore if the honest effort was made. We, youngsters have no time to take part in such type of issues, we have our own life instead.
but
it cant be imagine how much pressure we young bankers bear everytime in the name of
Future bankers
Ombudsman
Staff accountibilty
Young bankers
......many more
We always cheated by our own fellows
MOREOVER OUR VOICE IS NOT HEARD AT ANY PLATEFORM WHETHER IT IS MANAGEMENT OR UNION
that's why the voice of new association is always raised every hook & corner. The young bankers is really working hard & in return they are getting NOTHING.
THE DECISION IS ON YOUNG BANKERS HOW THEY SHAPE THEIR FUTURE.