UFBU Launches Agitation Programme, Calls for Statewide Strike on 16 November Amid Rising Attacks on Bankers in Maharashtra

Bank employees in Maharashtra are increasingly facing violent attacks, with multiple incidents reported over the past two months. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has raised concerns about the escalating violence, citing a need for urgent institutional measures to protect banking staff. The attacks, often perpetrated by individuals claiming to represent the public, have left the banking community on edge and sparked a statewide agitation programme.

A Surge in Attacks on Bankers

According to a circular released by UFBU on 15 October 2024, a series of violent incidents have been reported across bank branches in Maharashtra. On 13 August 2024, officials were assaulted at the Warud Budruk Branch of the Bank of Maharashtra. Similar attacks followed at the Loni Devkar Indapur Branch of the Bank of Baroda on 31 August, and at Punjab National Bank’s Wakad Pune Branch on 21 September.

Other notable incidents include the attack at the Badnapur Jalna Branch of Bank of Maharashtra on 27 September, and further cases at Maharashtra Gramin Bank’s Dharmapuri Beed Branch (1 October), UCO Bank’s Rahu Daund Pune Branch (4th October), and Bank of Maharashtra’s Fursungi Pune Branch (6th October). Similar cases of violence were reported on 10th October at Bank of Baroda’s Varwade Dhule Branch, Central Bank of India’s Latur Branch, and Bank of Maharashtra’s Georai Bazar Branch. Most recently, a Bank of Maharashtra officer and a temporary employee were attacked in Nashik on 16 October 2024. These incidents reflect a troubling trend of violence against bankers, with reports suggesting that many cases remain unreported.

(Press Release from UFBU)

UFBU's Response and Demands

In response to this surge of attacks, the UFBU has outlined a comprehensive agitation programme aimed at raising awareness and pushing for concrete action. Devidas Tuljapurkar, convenor of UFBU in Maharashtra, has voiced the union’s concerns, stating, “As an immediate step to prevent such repeating violence, security for branches must be tightened. Security guards should be appointed in every branch to intervene if the situation becomes tense.”

The UFBU is also advocating for the long-standing demand for a Bankers’ Protection Act, which would offer legal safeguards to bank employees. Tuljapurkar highlighted the need for broader discussions on the act, explaining that, “A broader debate and discussion at various levels would be necessary to materialise the legislation. Also, it is a national issue in that sense.”

(UFBU Circular on the agitation programme.)

Agitation Programme

The union’s planned protest actions include a Dharna at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on 25 October 2024, followed by a mass deputation to the Indian Banks' Association, the Maharashtra State Secretary, and the Inspector General of Police. Additional steps in the agitation programme include a Twitter campaign on 10 November, mass deputations to the State Level Bankers' Committee on 11 November, candlelight marches on 14 November, and Dharna at district headquarters on 15 November, culminating in the statewide strike on 16 November 2024.

The escalating attacks on bank employees in Maharashtra have led to growing unrest within the banking community. The UFBU has made it clear that they will not back down until adequate protection is provided to bank employees, with security measures in place and punitive action taken against offenders. The agitation programme aims to compel both the state government and bank management to address these critical safety concerns, allowing employees to serve the public without fear of violence or intimidation.