‘Even Labourers Aren’t Treated Like This’ AIBOBOU Slams BoB’s Staff Shortage, Workload Reality and HR Practices

Workload and Additional Hours

In its circular dated 12 July 2025, the AIBOBOU stated that officers are being compelled to work beyond official hours due to severe staff shortage across branches. The union cited that despite rising business volumes and operational targets, many branches continue to function with fewer officers than prescribed, leading to extended workdays. Although official branch timings are from 10 AM to 5 PM, officers are reportedly staying back until 8 PM or later to manage the workload.

AIBOBOU estimated that if 43,000 officers work three extra hours daily, the Bank receives approximately 1.6 lakh additional man-hours per day. The union calculated that this is equivalent to the output of 8,000 officers annually. Based on officer salary estimates, this work would cost approximately Rs 1,300 crore per year if compensated

According to the above-mentioned circular, the union filed an RTI application on 11 June 2025, requesting region-wise lists of branches falling short of staffing norms, cadre-wise details of actual and required staff as on 1 April 2024 and 1 April 2025, and copies of staffing requests from regional offices.

The Bank responded that “the information is not available in the manner and form it is sought” and that “there is no shortage of any category of employees as on 1st April 2025.” The union stated that this reply was inconsistent with ground realities and policy circulars.

Demands Raised by the Union

AIBOBOU has demanded a transparent, branch-wise manpower assessment involving all recognised unions. The union has called for clear definitions of officer workloads based on business volume and branch type. It also stated that such assessment is essential to protect the health, dignity, and mental well-being of officers.

The union urged officers to unite and support its campaign for fair HR practices and workload distribution.

Union Slams Workload and Questions HR Award

Speaking to Kanal, AIBOBOU General Secretary K. Sriniwasrao alleged that BoB  is overexploiting its officers by forcing extended working hours without formal safeguards. He said, “This is nothing but exploitation of human resources, and for this exploitation, the HR Department was allotted the Golden Peacock Excellence Award. I don’t know who gave such an award for exploiting human resources. Even private banks or labour-intensive sectors like mining do not impose this kind of pressure. Even agricultural labourers are not treated like this.”

He further stated, “Officers have no choice here. All officers have to sit until the completion of meetings, even till 9 or 9:30 PM. This is nothing but overexploitation of human resources in BoB. 

Highlighting the contrast with other Public Sector Banks, he added, “Perhaps this management is not listening to anyone. They are not ready to issue a circular letter like Union Bank and Punjab National Bank. Even State Bank has issued a letter to its officers not to sit beyond 6 o’clock. If anyone is sitting beyond 6 o’clock, they must take prior permission from the controlling office. Whereas in BoB, the officers are encouraged to sit late .

“We are trying our best to tell the management not to overexploit human resources, and if they are not listening, this will be issued before a central-level commission and the issue will be raised in court as well,” he concluded.