I : NEGOTIATIONS FOR 10TH B.P.SETTLEMENT
When Office Bearers of United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) last met to the negotiating team of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), the management improved its offer from 10% to 11% of salary components. But UFBU asked for 25%. Owing to such a vast variance between the expectations of UFBU and the offer from IBA, the meeting ended in a deadlock. The representatives of UFBU thereafter met the Finance Minister, who said he would call for details from the Banking Division, Ministry of Finance and then form his views. No further round of discussions has taken place thereafter. UFBU has, therefore, decided to call on the Finance Minister again. It is understood that the Officers’ Organizations are firm not to accept less than 20.35% of the salary components. The rational put forward by them is that out of the total 17.5% financial load in 9th BP Settlement, the increase in salary slip components was 11%. In terms of amount, it was certain crores of rupees. Atleast if the same amount is allowed as increase in salary slip components, in terms of percentage, it comes to 20.35%. This is probably because of reduction in numerical strength of the Officers and vast scale retirement of the Officers drawing higher wages. On the other hand, Award Staff Unions consider the present offer of IBA as, by and large, reasonable. Amidst these controversies, negotiations on 10th Bipartite Settlements are likely to be delayed further.
II : VISIT OF OUR GENERAL SECRETARY TO THE BANK’S CENTRAL OFFICE
Our General Secretary had been to Mumbai for attending a Meeting of Office Bearers of All India Bank Retirees’ Federation. Simultaneously he visited the Bank’s Central Office also. Shri S.L.Joshi, Secretary of our Association and Shri R.K.Powar, General Secretary of our Maharashtra Association accompanied him. Certain individual issues were discussed by them with the Executives, outcome of which is communicated to the concerned members separately. Following two matters discussed there may be applicable to several members and hence mentioned in this Bulletin.
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(a) Gratuity on DA portion of FPP
Fixed Personal Pay (FPP) consists of (i) Increment (ii) Dearness Allowance (DA) and (iii) House Rent Allowance. Out of these, Increment and DA portions are to be taken in to account for computing Gratuity. But, owing to discrepancy in the software for Gratuity, our Bank was ignoring the DA. Consequently several retirees have got Gratuity less by about Rs.1,400/-. Now, the Bank has rectified the software according to which the employees retired after 30 April, ’14 are paid correct Gratuity. Cases of those who retired prior to April,’14 will be considered by the Bank on getting representations from the individuals or collective information through their Associations. We shall take up such cases with the Bank provided copies of their (i) Salary Slip of last month prior to retirement and (ii) Work Sheet of Gratuity received from the Bank are furnished to our Association before the end of August, ’14. Ofcourse, those who have already received maximum Gratuity of Rs.3.5 lacs or 10 lacs (according to ceiling at the relevant time), they are not entitled for any further amount and hence need not send the particulars to the Association.
(b) Mentioning names of physically / mentally challenged children in PPO
We know, there are few cases of our members whose children are handicapped / retarded physically or mentally. In such cases, after demise of the retiree and his / her spouse, the children are eligible for family pension during their entire life time. After repeated persuasions, now the Bank has agreed in principle to change format of the Pension Payment Orders (PPO) to specify names of such children also in the column of Family Pensioner. And till format of PPO is revised, representations, if any, received from the employees / pensioners will be acknowledged by the Bank. Ofcourse, it will be necessary to submit a Medical Certificate specifying that the particular child is physically / mentally incapacitated and unable to earn his / her livelihood. Such members are requested to write to our Association, so as to enable us to guide them further.
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VII. ABSTRACTS OF CIRCULAR ISSUED BY AIBRF AFTER ITS OFFICE BEARERS’ MEETING AT MUMBAI ON 16 & 17 JULY, ‘14
1. The house expressed satisfaction on the progress made on two key demands of the retirees (i) 100 percent DA to pre-November 2002 retirees and (ii) improvements in family pension. DA proposal has been sent by IBA to the government for final approval and IBA is inclined to consider improvement in family pension.
a. The meeting expressed full confidence in negotiated settlement to achieve retirees’ demands and shall continue to work in this direction in coordination with UFBU. Simultaneously AIBRF will draw independent action plan wherever necessary to protect interest of retirees.
b. The meeting had also resolved that the other key pending demands of the retirees, Up-dation of basic pension for past retirees, uniform medical benefits, pension option to leftover retirees are equally important and AIBRF shall continue to vigorously follow them for their achievement in the ensuing wage settlement.
2. Based on the above analysis it was decided that we shall continue to follow up our issues with UFBU leadership. We shall contact and meet political leaders, IBA and ministry officials to pursue our issues. If required we shall organize agitation program in the coming days to meet our demands.
OTHER ISSUES
a. The meeting appreciated the Joint appeal issued by three retiree organizations on retiree demands. However the house was of the view that while taking such steps in
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future it should be ensured that AIBRF interest is fully protected and AIBRF should continue to work for strengthening UFBRO setup.
b. The house approved audited accounts for the year ended December, 2013 and constituted committee under convener ship of Shri B.G.Raithatha to look into some financial aspects like capping in annual subscription payable by the affiliates, norms for levy etc.
VIII : DEARNESS RELIEF (DR) ON PENSION
There is an increase of 17 slabs in Dearness Relief to Pensioners. Therefore, pensioners retired during different periods mentioned hereunder will get DR on their BASIC PENSION at the following rates for next six months - from August, ’14 to January, ’15.
(i) Pre-’86 retirees
(1242 slabs over 600 points)
Rs.350 + DR @ 832.14% (Rs.2,912)=Rs.3,262
(ii) Widows of pre-’86 retirees
(1242 slabs over 600 points)
Rs.175 + DR 832.14% (Rs.1,456) =Rs.1,631
(iii) Retired between 1.1.’86 to 31-10-’92
(1242 slabs over 600 points)
(iv) Retired between 1.11.’92 to 31.3.’98
(1105 slabs over 1148 points)
Retired between 1.4.’98 to 31.10.’02
971 slabs over 1684 points)
Retired between 1.11.’02 to 31.10.’07
820 slabs over 2288 points
147.60% on entire basic pension
Retired after 1.11.’07
683 slabs over 2836 points
102.45% on entire basic pension
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EXTRACTS by R.B.KISHORE,VP,AIRIEF