Bank unions oppose SBI merger, to observe strike on July 12,13

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 16

Bank unions today called for a strike on July 12 and 13 to oppose the Cabinet’s decision of merging the State Bank of India (SBI) with its five associate banks. 

The State Sector Bank Employees’ Association, representing employees of the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Hyderabad, has called for the strike on July 12. The strike will be supported by other unions and the clerical and subordinate grade of the subsidiary banks. 

While on July 13, the All-India Bank Employees’ Association and All-India Bank Officers’ Association will observe the strike.  The unions will also hold dharnas in state capitals on June 30.

Employees are apprehensive over downsizing, closure of branches and redeployment by the SBI on the pretext of relocating the branches. They are demanding recovery of bad loans and action against defaulters.

Rajesh Sondhi, organising secretary, All-India State Bank of Patiala Employee Federation, said, “Instead of opting for a merger, the government should focus on controlling bad loans. The merger will not serve the purpose. It is against the interests of employees. Also, the five banks have contributed to the country’s growth and after the merger, they will lose their regional identity.”