Federal Bank Employees Stage Massive Protest at Headquarters in Aluva

In a massive display of unity, over 1,500 employees from various parts of India gathered in Aluva, Kerala, to march to the headquarters of Federal Bank. Organised by the Federal Bank Employees’ Union (FBEU), affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), the march was held to press for various longstanding demands.

(The forefront of the march organised by FBEU to Federal Bank headquarters.)

Key Demands Raised

The protesters called for the recruitment of personnel to fill the posts of Clerk, Peon, and Sweeper, while also urging the management to regularise temporary, contract, and outsourced workers. The employees further demanded that the bank management honour industrial agreements and implement the union’s charter of demands, which had been pending for an extended period.

(Employees gathered for the agitation at FBEU office, Aluva)

According to FBEU, despite repeated attempts to resolve these issues through discussions, the management has failed to take significant action. The protest was a continuation of the employees’ efforts to bring attention to the staff shortages and unfair labour practices that have been plaguing the institution. These concerns have been repeatedly highlighted in various protests across the country.

As part of their agitation programme, FBEU had also observed a one-day hunger strike during the festive season of Onam.

(Employees marching with AIBEA flags.)

Protest Meeting and Inauguration

After the march, a protest meeting was held at Aluva Municipal Town Hall, inaugurated by Benny Behanan, Member of Loksabha. Addressing the gathering, Behanan criticised the bank’s management for its lack of initiative in resolving the employees’ demands. "It is undemocratic for the management not to consider and resolve the issues raised by the employees through discussions, even after two years,” he said.

(Protest meeting organised at Aluva Municipal Town Hall.)

Behanan also called on the bank’s leadership to take prompt action to address the reasonable concerns raised by the employees and urged them to engage in discussions to avoid further unrest.

(Employees March to Federal Bank headquarters)

Solidarity from Labour Leaders

Several prominent labour leaders also spoke during the protest meeting, including AITUC State Vice President KK Ashraf, Aluva Municipal Chairman M O John, and HMS State General Secretary Tommy Mathew. AIBEA National Treasurer K Srikrishna and National Joint Secretaries M Jayanath and Jatin Dholakia also expressed their solidarity with the protesting employees.

Speakers consistently highlighted the need for fair recruitment practices, regularisation of outsourced workers, and the importance of respecting existing industrial agreements.

(Women employees gathered at FBEU office, Aluva)

The Federal Bank Employees’ Union, backed by its national affiliates, has vowed to continue the struggle until their demands are met. The union leadership has warned that further protests will follow if the management fails to engage in meaningful discussions to resolve the ongoing issues.