Our organisation in Bank of India, Federation of Bank of India Staff Unions has given the call for All India Strike in Bank of India on 30th March, 2022 against the decision of the management to outsource the cash movement activities thus attacking the jobs of Cashiers, Drivers, Substaff, Armed Guards, etc. They are also planning to outsource house-keeping work which are today done by our regular employees.
All our Unions are aware that service conditions in the Banks are governed by our various Bipartite Settlements. Under the 8th BP Settlement dated 2- 6-2005, it is provided that Banks may outsource IT and related activities in respect of specialised areas where in-house capability is not available. This clearly means that other activities of the Banks cannot be outsourced.
Further, there was a demand from the IBA even during the recent 11th BPS negotiations to permit Outsourcing any activity as per business needs within RBI guidelines. This also confirms that there is no subsisting agreement on outsourcing the routine functions, operations and regular work in the Banks which are done by permanent employees now.
Thus, outsourcing our regular and perennial jobs is violative of our BP Settlement. It is a direct attack on our jobs, job security and employment opportunities for the educated and unemployed youth.
Hence the agitation, struggle and Strike action in Bank of India by FOBOISU is justified and warranted. We request all our State Federations and Unions to be in touch with our comrades in Bank of India in the respective centres and extend all support and solidarity to their strike by participating in their demonstrations, etc.
With Greetings,
Yours Comradely,
C.H. VENKATACHALAM GENERAL SECRETARY