Victory for Aryavart Bankers: Management Agrees to All Demands After Employees Surround Headquarters in Protest Over Transfer Process

Employees of Aryavart Bank staged a protest at the bank's headquarters in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, on 09 July, 2024, expressing dissatisfaction with the current transfer process. The protest, involving approximately 2500 bankers, highlighted the abrupt transfer orders issued in July, which disrupted employees' personal lives and well-being.

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The protesting employees, armed with placards and slogans, demanded a change in the transfer policy. They criticised the manner in which transfers were imposed without prior consultation with the bank unions. The placards carried messages such as “Banks are for people and not profit”, showcasing the employees' discontent with the management's approach.

(A glimpse from the employees’ protest at the Aryavart Bank headquarters on 9 July, 2024.)

 Solidarity and Support

The protest garnered support from fraternal unions, including the Prathama UP Bank Officers Association and the Baroda UP Bank Employees Association. Female bankers were prominently visible in the protest, emphasising the inclusive nature of the agitation. The employees' primary demand was for the management to prioritise the well-being of bank employees and their families when making transfer decisions.

(The employees gathered in large numbers at the Aryavart Bank HQ in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow on Tuesday.)

Issues with Transfer Process

Employees pointed out that transfers and postings are usually discussed in March-April each year. However, this time, the orders were issued abruptly in July, causing significant inconvenience. Many employees had already made arrangements for their children's education, making these last-minute transfers particularly problematic.

Lack of Consultation with Unions

The employees also criticised the lack of communication and consultation with the bank unions regarding the transfers. Traditionally, management officials engage in discussions with unions before making transfer decisions to ensure that all concerns are considered. However, this time, the management bypassed such discussions, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

(The announcement after successful negotiation talks.) 

Negotiation and Agreement

The protest led to a five-hour negotiation meeting between union leaders and management representatives, mediated by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Lucknow. The management agreed to all the demands raised by the employees, including reversing the unfair transfer orders and ensuring no holiday or extra-hours work hereafter. The unions are awaiting written assurances, having secured video evidence of the agreement.

Employee Testimony

A banker, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Kanal, “In a sudden move, the bank management released an order transferring employees abruptly. This is bound to affect disabled, pregnant bankers, and couples placed in the bank, separating them 300-400 km apart. This move is the dictatorial character of the management and was dealt with resistance.”

The successful negotiation marks a significant victory for Aryavart Bank employees, who stood united in their demand for a fair and transparent transfer process. The written assurances from the management are now awaited, promising a resolution to the contentious issue.