Date:28/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/10/28/stories/2006102804901100.htm

Back Bank strike total in Bengal

Our Bureau

Kolkata , Oct. 27

The bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) was successful in West Bengal with employees heeding the call in large numbers. The UFBU is expected to hold a meeting early next month to decide upon future strategy.

Various employee associations today congratulated their members for the country-wide move that demanded, among other things, a second option for pension and a revival of compassionate appointment scheme. Both issues have evoked strong reactions in bank employee circles.

The associations are largely opposed to outsourcing of key banking services, including deposit taking and credit delivery, to private organisations. Some of them have also spoken out against the clearing-house function of the newly proposed National Payment Corporation of India.

A meeting will be convened in Chennai next month to discuss the strategy that may be adopted in the days ahead, it is pointed out. The BEFI statement, issued by Mr S. Bardhan, General Secretary, mentioned that all units have been advised to stay prepared for the next course of action.