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Labour Ministry Issues Notice on Bank of India Dispute After Staff Union Agitation Call
The Labour Ministry has issued a notice regarding a pending dispute between the Bank of India management and We Bankers Staff Association (Rajasthan). This follows a union call for agitation and dharna.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: August 21, 2025
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The Ministry of Labour and Employment has formally addressed the ongoing dispute between Bank of India management and the We Bankers Staff Association (Rajasthan). The development comes after the union announced a demonstration and dharna at the Churu branch, citing alleged non-compliance under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
Ministry’s Notice to Bank of India
According to the notice dated 18 August 2025, the Labour Enforcement Officer (Central) referred to the union’s communication regarding its plan to begin agitation from 19 August 2025. The ministry highlighted that the dispute, raised earlier, is already under conciliation, and therefore the bank’s management is required to comply with the provisions of Section 33 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 194
Image: Labour Ministry’s notice dated 18 August 2025 addressed to Bank of India Zonal Head, Jaipur.
Source: @webankerseu
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Allegation of Non-Compliance
During the conciliation proceedings on 14 August 2025, it was agreed to withhold the order dated 22 July 2025 regarding the transfer of Shri Narender Kumar Swamy until the next hearing on 18 September 2025. However, the union alleged that management violated the provisions of Section 33 by attempting the transfer despite the pending dispute. The ministry reminded the bank that failure to comply may attract penal provisions under Section 31 of the Act.
Next Steps in the Dispute
The Bank of India management has been asked to submit its comments and ensure the presence of an authorised representative in the conciliation meeting fixed for 18 September 2025. The ministry emphasised that constructive participation would help in resolving the matter amicably.
Union’s Position
The notice also referred to communication from Shri Prem Choudhary, General Secretary of We Bankers Staff Association (Rajasthan), regarding the proposed dharna at the Churu branch. While acknowledging the union’s concerns, the ministry has advised against holding agitation during the pendency of conciliation, citing obligations under Section 22(1) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
The Labour Ministry’s intervention highlights the importance of compliance with labour laws during ongoing conciliation proceedings. With the next hearing scheduled for 18 September 2025, both the Bank of India management and the staff union have been urged to cooperate so that the dispute can be resolved through dialogue.
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