AIRRBEA Unions in Utkal Grameen Bank Submit 21-Point Charter of Demands to Bank Management

The Utkal Grameen Bank Employees’ Association (UGBEA) and Utkal Grameen Bank Officers’ Association (UGBOA), affiliated with AIRRBEA, has formally submitted a 21-point Charter of Demands to the Chairman of Utkal Grameen Bank, seeking immediate redressal of critical employee welfare and operational issues. The associations have urged the management to initiate discussions at the earliest, warning of potential agitation if concerns remain unaddressed.

Unions Concern on Prolonged Delay in Addressing Staff Concerns

In their letter dated January 31, 2025, the unions stated, “This 21-point Charter of Demands contains the key issues, concerns, and expectations of our members regarding their work environment, financial benefits, and overall welfare. The demands have been seriously compiled based on inputs from our members after prolonged discussions in the joint executive body meeting. We believe that the fulfillment of these demands will significantly enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and service quality.”

Key Demands Presented by UGBEA & UGBOA

The associations have placed the following demands before the management, emphasizing that all remain unimplemented:

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. Immediate implementation of the 14% NPS contribution from 2018, with compensation for delayed deposits.
4. Restoration of increment dates affected by participation in strikes.
5. Granting of computer increment benefits and restoration of absolute pension.
6. Abolition of the single custody system, citing security concerns.
7. Withdrawal of the joint custodian agreement, which lacks relevance in modern banking practices.
8. Inclusion of the association in negotiations on staff health insurance.
9. Extension of trade union rights as per government directives.
10. Deactivation of WhatsApp groups for official communication.
11. Regularization of permanent sub-staff from the date of initial engagement.
12. Recognition and regularization of casual/part-time sub-staff as Group D workers.
13. Timely approval of leave requests, ensuring written communication for rejections.
14. Adherence to the 2023 agreement on working hours.
15. Immediate resolution of pending compassionate appointment cases.
16. Stop “Login Days” that disrupt branch operations.
17. Stoppage of staff deputation beyond 20 km, with compensation for extended assignments.
18. Reintroduction of non-banking days for rural branches.
19. Enhancement of discretionary powers for branch managers.
20. Recruitment of staff as per the Mitra Committee recommendations.
21. Implementation of mandatory leave policies as per CVC guidelines.

The association has requested a discussion within three weeks and warned that failure to initiate talks could result in an agitation program. The bank's response to these demands will determine the course of employees' action in the coming weeks.