Bank unions demand job security and fair labour reforms in government talks
Bank unions under the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) have raised key demands in talks with the government. A recent meeting with Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju focused on labour law reforms, job security, and employee benefits. The unions also pushed for stronger protections against the rise of contractual work in the banking sector.
The UFBU met with the Financial Services Secretary to address long-standing concerns of bank employees. Their demands included a five-day workweek, filling vacant Workman and Officer Director positions, and increasing permanent staff recruitment. They also called for pension updates and better social security for workers.
The unions stressed that recent changes to labour laws—replacing 29 existing laws with four new Labour Codes—had caused unease among employees. While the UFBU supported simplifying some provisions, they firmly opposed any weakening of current labour rights. Instead, they insisted that all modifications should be discussed with central trade unions before implementation.
A major concern was the growing reliance on contractual jobs rather than permanent roles. The UFBU argued that labour laws should prioritise regular employment to ensure better job stability and benefits for bank staff.
The discussions highlighted the need for broader consultation before finalising labour law changes. The UFBU’s proposals aim to safeguard job security, improve working conditions, and reduce contractual hiring in the banking sector. The government has yet to announce any immediate steps in response to these demands.
