Bankers Face Public Humiliation: No Action in Cases Reported Even After Several Weeks

Two separate incidents of public humiliation of bank employees have surfaced—one at Union Bank in Ahmedabad and the other at Bank of Maharashtra in Bengaluru. These incidents have triggered outrage among banking employees, with associations demanding strict action against those responsible. However, despite 3 weeks having passed, no action has been taken so far.

Humiliation of Women Officers at Union Bank’s Ahmedabad Office

In an incident on 12 February 2025, three Relationship Managers (RMs) were subjected to public humiliation at the Union Bank Regional Office in Ahmedabad. According to complaints filed by the Union Bank Officers’ Association(UBOA, affiliated to AIUBOF & AIBOC), Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Deputy Regional Head (Business Development), allegedly mistreated the officers, including two female employees.

The officers were called for an unscheduled meeting at 9:30 AM and were reportedly insulted in front of other staff members. Two female officers were forced to stand outside the Regional Head’s cabin, where Mishra allegedly mocked them and compelled them to clap for themselves after no one else complied with his order to applaud their humiliation. The incident left the officers in tears. A male RM who arrived later was also subjected to similar treatment.

(Letter from General Secretary of UBOA Gujarat to the Regional Head, Ahmedabad demanding stringent action.) 

Further reports indicate that two Deputy Branch Managers faced public humiliation in another meeting on the same day. The UBOA Gujarat had strongly condemned the actions of Deputy Regional Head Rajesh Kumar Mishra, calling his behaviour "inhumane, mortifying and a flagrant violation" of the bank’s Code of Ethics. In a statement dated 15 February 2025, UBOA highlighted that the incident on 12 February was not an isolated case but part of a pattern of "rampant violations" by Mishra. The association stated, "At no stretch of imagination, harassment in the name of discipline and administration can be justified." UBOA has demanded strict disciplinary action under Para 4.1 of the Code of Ethics to prevent future misconduct.

N Shankar, General Secretary of the All India Union Bank Employees Association (AIUBEA), also condemned the incident. “The humiliation of two women officers in Union Bank Ahmedabad is a very untoward incident. When a woman is heading Union Bank, it is expected that harassment of women bankers would not take place. Even if such an incident occurs, prompt action from the top-level management is expected at the earliest. The management headed by a woman must be sensitive about such issues to initiate strict actions so that such harassment of women is not repeated”, he told Kanal.  

(N Shankar’s letter to MD & CEO of Union Bank demanding justice to employees and protection of staff’s interests.)  

As of now, no action has been taken against Mishra, and an inquiry report is yet to be submitted. The incident has led to widespread anger among bank employees, who are demanding accountability. AIUBEA has now launched a campaign against the inaction of the management on the increasing attacks on bankers and the humiliation from higher officials. 

Bank of Maharashtra Employees Denied Lunch as Punishment

A similar incident occurred at Bank of Maharashtra’s Bengaluru Zone during a motivational meeting at Jury Hotel on 15 February 2025. Reports indicate that during the lunch session, certain officers were denied food on the pretext of being "non-performers," while others were allowed to dine.

Krishna Baroorkar, General Secretary of the Bank of Maharashtra Officers Association (BOMOA), condemned the act, stating, “Denying food to selected officers in such a humiliating manner is not only unethical but also reflects a deeply disturbing mindset. As respected officers of a public sector bank, such treatment is unacceptable and highly condemnable. Given the severity of the matter, we urge you to ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence of such deplorable actions.”

Growing Concerns Over Workplace Harassment in Banks

These incidents have raised serious concerns over workplace dignity and ethical treatment in public sector banks. Employees’ associations are demanding strict enforcement of ethical workplace practices to prevent further instances of humiliation. The banking sector is now under increased scrutiny, with employees calling for policy changes to ensure a respectful and harassment-free work environment.