NOBW  CHARTER OF DEMANDS - Xth BPS - LACKS  INNOVATION

by

Rajesh Goyal   

We have recently received a copy of the Charter of Demands sent to IBA by Mr Ashwani Rana, General Secretary, NoBW.     If somebody asks me to describe the Charter of Demands submitted to IBA in one sentence, I  would simply say it lacks any 'innovation".   It is a stereo-typed and leaves everything to manipulation by IBA.  Certainly, I liked the initial few pages, wherein "Historical Comparison Chart" has been given.   This throws some interesting facts  - which can be used by unions while negotiating. but certain results can also be used by IBA to stall higher increase in wages (I will not like to discuss these on this open forum as I may be charged that I am giving ideas to IBA for denial of higher wages).    I give below in one paragraph the silent features / highlights of the Charter of Demands and then  give link to download full Charter of Demands as received by us for the benefit of our readers, who themselves should take a view on this Charter of Demands  as to whether it meets their aspirations or not, and what are the chances of accepting the same.     I welcome the initiative of NOBW for showing transparency in this process .

Highlights of Charter of Demands :

   (a) Scales to be revised by merger of Basic at 4708 points (average of April to June 2012) of Present Basic

   (b) New Pay Scales to be constructed by adding 40% for both Non Subordinate Staff and Subordinate Staff

   (c) The New rate of DA shall be at 0.12% per rise of 4 points over 4708 points.

   (d) Restoration of CCA at higher rates;

   (e) HRA to be at from 9% to 15% depending on the place of posting

   (f) Second pension option to those who have been deprived of the same due to normal VRS and on Resigntion;

   (g) Existing 1993 Pension Scheme to be extended to employees joining after 01.04.2010

   (i) Pension to be given as a third retirement benefit

   (j) Introduction of 5 day week

The others relate to increase in various allowances, facilities etc.

The above does not discuss in detail as to what is the rationale for increase of 40%, whether such a demand can be met even by weak banks.   It also does not give any broad idea of the new pay scale structures wherein a common banker can calculate as to what is being actually demanded by their  leaders.   There are number of other flaws.   Last time NPS has already been agreed by all unions and the same has also been introduced for central government employees etc.  Thus, such demands and pension as a third retirement benefit appears to have been added merely to placate and make a fool of general banker by raising his hopes.  Such demands appears to be on logic where jokeingly we say that if you need a licence for a pistol, apply for licence for AK-47.    If this Charter of Demand has been prepared on such basis, then I appreciate the vision of union leaders who have prepared the same.

Anyway, I wish a good luck to the NOBW leaders to get these demands accepted at industry level so that bankers can benefit.

Click Here to Download :  Full Text of Charter of Demand Submitted by NOBW to IBA in last week of September 2012