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AIRRBEA Accuses Utkal Grameen Bank of Intimidating Trade Union Leaders
AIRRBEA slams Utkal Grameen Bank’s General Manager for threatening trade union leaders. Warns of strikes if hostile actions against union leaders persist.
Author: Saurav Kumar
Published: March 28, 2025
The All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA) has strongly condemned the "vindictive and provocative" attitude of Utkal Grameen Bank’s (UGB) General Manager-III, Banshidhar Sahoo, accusing him of adopting a threatening posture against trade unions.
In a letter dated March 27, 2025, addressed to UGB Chairman Surya Kanta Dash, AIRRBEA warned of escalating agitation if the management does not curb its aggressive treatment of union representatives. The letter states, “Bank will not tolerate any attempt to bypass established protocols, demands that fall outside the purview of theAssociation” speaks of his vindictive attitude, without any responsibility towards ensuring peace in the bank.”
On March 25, AIRRBEA openly criticized UGB’s management for fostering hostility and undermining industrial peace, calling the GM’s approach “colonial” and unacceptable. The association has initiated a phased agitation program, including ‘Black Badge Wearing’ and ‘Work to Rule,’ with plans for a two-day strike on April 7-8 and an indefinite strike from April 13 if their concerns remain unaddressed.
Condemning Unwanted Language of General Manager
AIRRBEA’s letter took particular exception to the language used by GM-III, which dismissed union representations as “unauthorized” and threatened disciplinary actions, disbandment, and derecognition. “The use of blackmailing words like ‘show cause’ and threats of punitive actions demonstrate a colonial attitude,” remarked AIRRBEA Secretary General S. Venkateswar Reddy, calling the communication from management “highly unprofessional and provocative.”
The association also condemned the management’s refusal to grant leave to the General Secretary of the Officers' Association, preventing vital dialogue. Such actions, AIRRBEA argues, reflect a deliberate attempt to suppress union voices and have led to growing resentment among employees toward the sponsor bank—State Bank of India (SBI).
Warning of Industrial Unrest
“We have no hesitation to state that it is because of such an officer, the staff of RRBs are developing vengeance against the sponsor banks,” the letter further warned, urging the UGB Chairman to intervene immediately and restore normalcy.
AIRRBEA’s cautionary note to Utkal Grameen Bank’s management underscores concerns over the high-handed approach adopted by a sponsor bank-appointed official. The growing unrest within UGB highlights the increasing relevance of the DFS directive on non-compliance by Regional Rural Banks.