AIRRBEA Unions in Utkal Grameen Bank Escalate Agitation Over Unresolved Demands

The Utkal Grameen Bank Employees’ Association (UGBEA) and Utkal Grameen Bank Officers' Association (UGBOA) have formally notified the bank’s management about an upcoming agitation, citing persistent negligence in addressing staff grievances.

The agitation call comes in the wake of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) directive to all 43 RRBs for non-compliance with government orders, sparking employees unrest across the RRB network.

 Allegations of Avoiding Association

In a letter dated March 14, 2025, the unions expressed their concern on no serious efforts from the bank management to initiate discussion for resolution. “As the Govt. of India instruction is clear on the matter... asking the General Secretary to mention the reason when he is applying for Spl. Leave/ Casual Leave is nothing but to avoid the Association,” the letter states, highlighting deliberate roadblocks in communication.

Image: Letter of the AIRRBEA affiliated unions to the Chairman of UGB on the agitation call.

Denial of Leave Sparks Outrage

Tensions escalated when the General Secretary of UGBOA applied for special leave to visit the Head Office on March 12, 2025, to discuss unresolved employees’ concerns. His application was denied without any reason. When he reapplied, citing his purpose of visit, the casual leave was again rejected, with management citing a lack of appointments with the Chairman and General Manager. 

The special leave request was approved only at the last minute on March 14, 2025, after he explicitly mentioned staff-related issues in his application. Unions argue that such deliberate delays are an attempt to suppress dialogue with the association.

Agitation Program Announced by UGBEA & UGBOA

1. March 26, 2025 – Press release from all regional units, including the Head Office.
2. March 27, 2025, onwards – Black badge protest by all association members until the agitation program concludes.
3. March 31 – April 5, 2025 – Work-to-rule protest (strict duty hours from 10 AM to 5 PM).
4. April 7 – April 8, 2025 – Two-day total strike (press release from all regional offices on April 7).
5. April 9 – April 11, 2025 – Relay hunger strike by the General Secretary and association office bearers.
6. April 15, 2025, onwards – Indefinite strike and Head Office gherao, along with mass demonstrations, until all demands are met.

On January 31, 2025, the AIRRBEA unions submitted a 21-point Charter of Demands containing the key issues, concerns, and expectations of employees regarding their work environment, financial benefits, and overall welfare. Few of the key demands are as follows:

1. Withdrawal of the recently issued transfer policy and adherence to NABARD guidelines.
2. Full and final implementation of the 12th Bipartite Settlement and 9th Joint Note, including allowances like HRA and officiating allowance.
3. Inclusion of the association in negotiations on staff health insurance.
4. Extension of trade union rights as per government directives.
5. Recruitment of staff as per the Mitra Committee recommendations.
6. Regularization of permanent sub-staff from the date of initial engagement.
7. Recognition and regularization of casual/part-time sub-staff as Group D workers.

The unions of UGB have urged the management to engage in urgent dialogue to prevent disruption, warning that continued avoidance will only intensify the agitation.