Strike will have crippling impact on economy, PM to Bank Unions

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today gave a patient hearing to bank unions, but said the proposed three-day strike later this month by them could have a crippling effect on the economy.

The nine Unions, which met under the umbrella organisation-- United Forum of Bank Employees (UFBU), had a 30-minute meeting with the Prime Minister in Parliament House and apprised him of the problems facing the employees in the Banking industry and the reasons which had compelled them to give the strike call.

The Unions demanded resumption of large-scale recruitment in Public Sector Banks; a ban on outsourcing of Bank operations; more jobs on compassionate grounds; and a second option with regard to pension.

The three-day all India bank strike is to begin from March 28, which is feared to bring the banking operations to a grinding halt.

Delhi Convenor of UFBU V K Gupta told UNI that the Unions wanted resumption of recrutiment drive as this had come to a standstill in the last 15 years, even though the business of the banking industry had increased manifold. "If two per cent of the total work force is to be recruited every year then imagine the magintude of the people who need to be recruited," Mr Gupta said.

The Unions said there was also a case for larger recruitment on compassionate grounds in the event of a death of a bank employee.

The Unions also oppossed outsourcing of normal work of the banks as this would reduce employment opportunities.

The UFBU represents more than 10 lakh employees and weilds consderable influence over officers and lower staff.

Mr Gupta said for employees opting for the Provident Fund should also be given the option of a pension. Earlier, some employees had opted out of the pension scheme.

The delegtion which met the Prime Minister included Mr P K Patnaik, Convenor, UFBU, and Mr C S Venkatachalam and Mr B S Nafad of the All India Bank Officers Confederation.

UNI