Two-day UFBU strike begins on Feb 25

Kochi, Feb 21 (UNI) To protest against the Centre and Indian Bank Association's (IBA) indifference in settling their long-standing demands, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) today decided to go ahead with the All India bank strike on February 25 and 26.

Speaking to newspersons here, Forum Convenor V J Johny said, '' despite successful All India strike on January 25, the Government and IBA have not come forward to resolve the oustanding issues through mutual disucssions.'' The Forum's demands include option to join pension scheme, restoration of appointments on compassionate grounds, need-based recruitments and early settlement of wage revision demands.

Mr Johny said besides, the Forum also wants the Government to abort proposals for merger of public sector banks and outsourcing of bank jobs.

If the authorities concerned failed to settle the issues through discussions, UFBU would opt for an indefinite strike by March end, he added.

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