Glorious strike: We convey our greetings to all our Unions and members for the splendid unity, impressive determination, organizational maturity and striking militancy in understanding the importance and significance of this call for 2 days’ General Strike and making it a success in all the Banks and in every State. Our Red Salutes to all of you, dear comrades and fellow fighters. You have added one more glorious chapter in the glittering history of AIBEA.
We are a part of the working class : Going on a strike or making it a success has always been our forte. But what is important in this strike action is that we have again manifested our unity and identity with the general working in their common struggle. In AIBEA, we always believe that we are an inseparable part of the working class of our country.
That is why we were in this common struggle.
Fight for the unorganised workers : The common demands of this strike are no less relevant to us. Every issue of this Strike was important to us. Because bank employees are organised under a strong trade union, we are a bit better off. But the unorganized workers are an exploited lot. They suffer from lack of guaranteed or minimum wages, lack of job security, lack of proper service conditions. It is our duty to give our support to their demands. They are our own brothers and sisters.
That is why we were in this common struggle.
Save public sector, Save economy : We are already in the midst of our struggle and campaign against privatisation of Banks. But Banks are not the only target. The Government wants to privatise every sector through disinvestment, privatisation and monetization. In a developing country like ours, public sector had and has an important role to play in developing our economy. Hence public sector needs to be strengthened. That is why we were in this common struggle.
We need more jobs for our youth : In our country, where unemployment is huge, job creation is a very vital imperative. We have seen that in the last more than six decades, it is the government sector and public sector which has created more jobs for our unemployed youth. For this purpose also, public sector needs to be strengthened. Our predecessors fought for more jobs and recruitments and so we go our jobs. Now it is our duty to fight for more jobs for our young people.
That is why we were in this common struggle.
Outsourcing is a dangerous menace : We not only need jobs, but we need regular, permanent jobs. But today, there are increasing attempts to outsource regular jobs on contractual basis. We can’t ignore the fact that there are nearly 4,73,000 Business Correspondents/Bank Mitras in the Banks. There are many others like Security Guards in ATMS, etc. who are on contract terms. There are also others who are on cost to company basis. They also do jobs like us but they are not getting wages like us. They are not permanent employees like us. If we do not fight today, more and more of our jobs will be outsourced. Job security is paramount.
That is why we were in this common struggle.
Restore DA-linked Pension Scheme : From 2004 in Government, and from 2010 in Banks, young employees are covered by the NPS. While their contribution is defined, their pension on retirement is uncertain. Pension will be based on market fluctuations. Hence trade unions are demanding to scrap NPS and restoration of DA-linked pension scheme.
That is why we were in this common struggle.
Hands off labour rights : When we understand the plight of the other sections of workers, we are convinced that we have to fight for them. But today we find that the Government wants to weaken our labour laws and blunt our labour rights. All the labour laws have been converted to four labour codes which give more flexibility for the employers and the Government. This strike was to oppose these adverse labour law changes.
That is why we were in this common struggle.
Banking Sector : In the Banking Sector, we have our problems too. The Government is ready with the Banking Laws Amendment Bill, 2016. We must continue our campaign and struggle on this vital issue. Bulging Bad Loans is an issue. Huge write off and heavy haircuts are an issue. Merger of Banks and closure of Branches are an issue. Inadequate recruitments in Banks is an issue. There are multiple challenges in the banking sector. When the entire trade union movement is fighting for these issues, it is our duty to be with them and be in the fore-front.
That is why we were in this common struggle.
Strikes – a success: As per reports reaching us from various States and Banks, the strike has been a good success. Our members have enthusiastically participated in the rallies, demonstrations, processions, etc. The active participation of young members – men and women – was noticeable and appreciable. They also did a lot of campaign for our strike through social media.
We greet, salute and thank all our Unions and members all over the country, in commercial banks, co-operative banks and RRBs, who participated in the strike and made it a success.
Yours comradely,
C.H. VENKATACHALAM GENERAL SECRETARY
