AIRRBEA Unions in Solidarity with Utkal Grameen Bank Union Leaders, Condemn Management’s ‘Threatening’ Tactics

In a strong show of solidarity, All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA) affiliated unions from 11 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) have extended support to the Utkal Grameen Bank Employees and Officers unions. This backing comes amid objections raised by the Utkal Grameen Bank management against a joint protest call, with union leaders alleging high-handedness and intimidation tactics. 

Solidarity from Unions in 11 Regional Rural Banks

The following AIRRBEA-affiliated unions have condemned the Utkal Grameen Bank management’s approach and expressed solidarity with the bank’s employee unions:

1. Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank Employees’ Association and Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank Officers’ Organisation
2. Association of Odisha Gramya Bank Officers’
3. Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank Officers’ Union and Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank Karmchari Union
4. Baroda Rajasthan Regional Rural Bank Officers’ and Employees’ Association
5. Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank Employees’ and Officers’ Association
6. Aryavart Bank Adhikari Sangh
7. Mizoram Rural Bank Officers’ Association
8. Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Officers’ Association and Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Employees’ Association.
9. Joint Council of Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank Unions.
10. Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank Officers’ Association and Employees’ Union.
11. Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank Officers’ Association and Employees’ Association.

Widespread Support Across States

Leading the wave of solidarity, AIRRBEA-affiliated Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank Employees' Association and Officers’ Organisation, along with the Association of Odisha Gramya Bank Officers’, were among the first to extend their support to their counterparts in Utkal Grameen Bank. This was followed by strong endorsements from Rajasthan units, including the Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank Officers’ Union, Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank Karmchari Union, and Baroda Rajasthan Regional Rural Bank Officers’ and Employees’ Association.

Image: Letter of AIRRBEA units of Chhattisgarh and Odisha

The unions criticized UGB’s management for issuing coercive communications instead of addressing the grievances of employees, calling such behavior more fitting for unorganized private enterprises rather than a “Public Sector organization like Utkal Grameen Bank.”

Image: Letter of AIRRBEA unions in Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank and Baroda Rajasthan Regional Rural Bank. 

AIRRBEA Unions in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh Demand Fair Treatment

AIRRBEA-affiliated unions in Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank and Aryavart Bank also voiced their support for the UGB union leaders, urging the management to refrain from issuing “irrelevant and untoward comments” in official communications. The unions called for fostering a “congenial atmosphere” to facilitate meaningful discussions and work towards a fair resolution.

Image: Letters of support to UGB leaders from AIRRBEA unions in Uttar Bihar Gramin Banka and Aryavart Bank 

Solidarity from RRBs in North-East

Support for UGB’s union leaders also came from Mizoram Rural Bank, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, and Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, where AIRRBEA-affiliated unions strongly criticized UGB’s management. Expressing their discontent, they stated, “We express our strong resentment at the way your management is dealing with HR matters, particularly the vengeance being shown towards the majority Officers and Employees Associations, ignoring their genuine demands.”

Image: AIRRBEA unions in Mizoram Rural Bank and Assam Gramin Vikash Bank’s letter of support to UGB leaders.

Image: Letter of Joint Council of Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank Unions on UGB issue.

RRB Unions in Southern Region Demand Democratic Dialogue

AIRRBEA unions in Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank (APGB) and Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank (APGVB) also condemned UGB’s management for its undemocratic treatment of trade union leaders. They urged the bank’s leadership to engage in a meaningful dialogue with employee representatives to restore normalcy and foster a fair work environment.

Image: Letter of Employees’s and Officers’ union in APGB and APGVB to the Utkal Grameen Bank management.

Unions across multiple states have rallied behind Utkal Grameen Bank Employees Association (UGBEA) and Utkal Grameen Bank Officers Association (UGBOA), strengthening their cause. A larger movement now advocates for fair treatment and democratic engagement with the management.

UGB Management Accused of Threats

UGB’s management and its General Manager, was recently slammed by the AIRRBEA Secretary General, S. Venkateshwar Reddy for his intimidating and autocratic behavior. In the past week, bank management issued show cause notices to General Secretaries of UGBEA and UGBOA.