World Federation of Trade Unions
Around 10 lakh employees and officers observed countrywide bank strike today at the call of United Forum of Bank Unions, an umbrella of the Unions/Associations of the banking industry. The Strike was observed to oppose listing of Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021 in the business schedule for ongoing Winter Session of the Parliament to facilitate privatization of public sector banks as announced by the Union Finance Minister during presentation of Budget for 2021-22. Following the announcement, the UFBU observed 2-day bank strike on 15-16 March 2021. The Strike will continue tomorrow. Two day Bank Strike was preceded by various programmes like Dharnas in state capitals and other places; postering; signature campaign; badge wearing; mask wearing; holding rallies; twitter campaigns; press conferences by which the issues and reasons of the Strike call were taken to common people including our customers. The bank employees, in huge numbers took part in all the preparatory programme throughout the country with determination. Mammoth rallies of the striking Employees were held today at different centres. The customers and a sizable section of media extended support to our movement. The employees of Reserve Bank of India, across the country, held lunch time gate meeting today in support of Bank Strike at the call of All India Reserve Bank Employees Association and All India Reserve Bank Workers Federation. Similar programme is scheduled to be held tomorrow as well. At the call of All India Nabard Employees Association, the employees of Nabard held lunch hour demonstration at all centres expressing solidarity to the movement. All India Insurance Employees Association organised country wide protest demonstrations in opposition to proposal of privatization of PSBs expressing support and solidarity. Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, BSNL Employees Union, All India Defence Employees Federation extended fraternal support. World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) has expressed international solidarity with the strike call. Support and solidarity was extended by Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions and sectoral Federations and Associations. Several Members of Parliament and different political parties extended their support. The Govt of India, even after 2-day strike in March, obstinately pushing through its decision of privatization of PSBs as part of its spree of privatizing public sector enterprises for the benefits of handful corporates. Bank Employees Federation of India congratulates employees and officers of the banking industry for observing successful strike; the Joint Platform of CTUs and fraternal organisations for extending support; common people and customers for supporting the strike. BEFI appeals to all stake holders to continue its opposition to the privatization move of the Govt in future also. CHIRANJIT GHOSH JOINT SECRETARY
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BEFI-INDIA: Press Statement issued by General Secretary, Bank Employees Federation of India on 16.12.2021 on 2-day Bank Strike on 16-17 December 2021