Strike on 30th May in BOB deferred

C.P.KRISHNAN

The Unions affiliated to AIBEA, NCBE, BEFI & NOBW in Bank of Baroda have given a joint strike call against the Management’s decision to outsource sweeping and cleaning jobs in all the 8000 plus branches and offices through its inter-office circular dated 27^th April 2022. This was reported in the Bank Workers’ Unity online magazine in its issue dated 14^th May 2022.

JOINT STRIKE IN BOB ON 30th MAY AGAINST OUTSOURCING

All the preparatory programmes including whole day joint dharnasbefore all the 18 Zonal offices on 20^th May were held successfully throughout the country.

On 24^th May 2022, a conciliation meeting was held between the Management and the Unions before the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Mumbai. The agitating unions pointed out that the action of the Management was clearly in violation of the industry-wide bipartite settlement, more particularly clause 31 (h) of the 8^th Bipartite Settlement.

It was also pointed out that the Management’s action was against the letter and spirit of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. Management of Bank of Baroda was adamant and was not ready to retrace its step towards outsourcing.  Even the advice of the DCLC “to keep the contentious circular dated 27^th April 2022 in abeyance and hold bilateral discussions with the Unions” was not heeded by the Management. The conciliation meeting was postponed to 27^th May 2022.

During the conciliation meeting held on 27^th May 2022, after marathon discussion on different grounds on the basis of which the strike notice was served upon, there was an understanding between the Management and Unions before DCLC.

• The Management proposed to discuss the matter with the unions and agreed to try for the amicable resolution
• Attempts will be made to find out mutually acceptable solutions within 45 days
• Till such time the process of outsourcing of sweeping and cleaning activities in the branches/offices in the bank initiated vide bank’s letter dated 27.04.2022 shall be kept on hold
• In view of the above, the strike to be held in Bank of Baroda on 30^th May, 2022 is deferred by the Unions

The next date of conciliation meeting is fixed on 15^th July 2022.

On the basis of the above understanding, the strike on 30^th May 2022 is deferred.  The danger of outsourcing is still hanging. Only the vigilance and the readiness for the united struggle will bring the real solution.