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Banks' Union Talks Mandated: New Directive Sparks Dispute
16 Jul
Summary
- Public banks must hold quarterly meetings with employee unions.
- Major unions oppose the directive, citing recognition concerns.
- Directive aims to improve dialogue and resolve workplace issues.
The finance ministry has directed all 12 public sector banks (PSBs) to implement quarterly meetings with recognized employee unions and officers' associations. This initiative, aimed at strengthening management-staff dialogue and proactively resolving workplace issues, mandates a structured engagement platform. Banks are required to establish annual meeting calendars, with the calendar for the remainder of 2026 due by July 15, 2026.
This move comes as concerns over employee workload and mental well-being in PSBs have risen. However, major banking unions, including AIBEA, AIBOC, and NCBE, have voiced objections. They argue the directive may conflict with the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, and could trigger disputes regarding which unions hold legal negotiating rights, potentially leading to serious industrial conflicts.
