UCO Bank Officers Strike for Rights, Warn of Indefinite Agitation if Demands Go Unmet

The All India UCO Bank Officers’ Federation (AIUCBOF) has announced a two-day nationwide strike on April 21-22, 2025, protesting UCO Bank’s revised transfer policy. The decision follows multiple appeals to the management to reconsider the policy, which the union describes as "anti-officer" and an infringement on employees' rights. AIUCBOF has warned of intensified action, including an indefinite strike, if their demands remain unmet.

Key Issues Raised by AIUCBOF

The dispute centers around the revised transfer policy issued on March 29, 2025, which AIUCBOF claims was implemented unilaterally, without consulting the officers.

In a letter to the Managing Director & CEO of UCO Bank, AIUCBOF General Secretary Sandeep Chowbey detailed several grievances:

• Unilateral Policy Changes: The transfer policy has been revised twice in the past five months without incorporating officer feedback.
• Deterioration of Service Conditions: Changes to repatriation rules, exemptions, and work-life balance considerations have reportedly worsened working conditions.
• Adverse Impact on Women Officers: The union alleges that transfer benefits for female officers are not being implemented in the true spirit of existing policies.
• Reduced Maximum Retention Period: Officers can now serve a maximum of only 8 years at a single location, down from 13 years, causing distress among employees.
• Performance-Based Transfers: AIUCBOF strongly opposes this introduction, arguing that it is subjective and prone to misuse.

“This move is seen as an attempt to exert control over officers, leaving their career progression at the discretion of management,” said an AIUCBOF representative to Kanal. “Performance reviews should be fair and transparent, not a tool for arbitrary transfers or punitive actions.”

Image: AIUCBOF’s letter to UCO Bank’s MD & CEO highlighting concerns over the revised transfer policy.

Allegations of Trade Union Suppression

AIUCBOF has accused UCO Bank of attempting to weaken the role of trade unions by limiting exemptions for union office bearers and imposing restrictions on leadership tenure. The union believes this is an attempt to dismantle trade unions and suppress officer grievances.

A union member told Kanal , “This revised transfer policy is designed to sideline the legitimate concerns of officers. In the future, everything will be at the mercy of the management. If they feel like addressing an issue, they will. If not, they will ignore it. This policy is being used to weaken trade unions and impose unilateral decision-making.”

Broader Employee Concerns

Beyond the transfer policy, the federation has highlighted additional grievances:

• Acute Staff Shortages: Officers are often forced to perform clerical duties due to a lack of manpower.
• Excessive Work Hours: AIUCBOF claims officers are working unpaid overtime, leading to burnout.
• Workplace Harassment: The union has cited instances of misbehavior from senior management and punitive transfers for those raising concerns.
• Lack of Financial Relief: UCO Bank has not extended tax deduction (TDS) absorption benefits on perquisites, unlike other banks.

A union representative stated to Kanal, “Parliamentary language is being used by top executives when reviewing officer performance. The Officer Service Regulations (OSR) of UCO Bank do not allow such behavior. Officers should be treated with dignity.”

Image: AIUCBOF’s letter to UCO Bank’s MD & CEO highlighting concerns over employees’ concern

Potential Impact of the Strike

The strike is expected to disrupt banking operations at UCO Bank branches nationwide. Customers may face difficulties accessing counter services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, and loan processing. However, digital banking services are likely to remain unaffected.

AIUCBOF has urged UCO Bank’s management to engage in constructive dialogue before the strike date. However, if no corrective action is taken, the federation has warned of further escalations.

What’s Next If The Policy Is Not Rolled Back?

If the management does not withdraw the revised transfer policy, the union has a phased agitation plan.

“Starting tomorrow, we will begin our agitation with non-cooperation, exit all WhatsApp groups, and refuse to work beyond 5:30 PM nationwide. Demonstrations will be held in front of zonal offices, and we will submit memorandums to zonal heads. A black badge-wearing campaign and signature drives will follow, leading to further strikes,” a union member revealed to Kanal.

He warned, “If the management remains indifferent, we will escalate our protests. The two-day strike could be extended to three or four days. If necessary, we will go on an indefinite strike and even a hunger strike across India, targeting all 43 zonal offices.”

AIUCBOF emphasized that its officers have played a crucial role in UCO Bank’s growth. “Our bank recently entered the ₹5 lakh crore business club. This achievement was possible due to the relentless efforts of our officers at Scale 1, 2, and 3 levels. If the management does not acknowledge this and continues its suppressive policies, our workforce will be demotivated, affecting the bank’s long-term performance.”

Final Stand

AIUCBOF made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met. “Trade unions exist to safeguard employees’ rights. If trade unions are dismantled, individual officers will have no protection against unfair treatment. Isolated officers cannot challenge a strong management alone. This is why our protest is critical—not just for today but for the future of officer welfare in UCO Bank,” a senior official said.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether UCO Bank’s management will address these concerns or if India’s banking sector will witness a prolonged period of unrest.