SBI Contract Workers Union Holds State Committee Meeting in Shimla: Demands Immediate Resolution of Grievances

A meeting of the State Committee of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), related to the SBI Contract Workers Union, was held at the CITU State Office, Kisan Mazdoor Bhawan, Chitkara Park, Kaithu, Shimla. The meeting was attended by CITU State President Vijendra Mehra, Shimla District Secretary Ramakant Mishra, Shimla District Treasurer Balak Ram, CITU leader Vivek Kashyap, Union President Dimple, General Secretary Rakesh, Treasurer Bhupinder, Vinay, Chandel Singh, Mamta, Poonam, Sunita, Rakesh, Arun, Ravi, Rajendra, Pratap, Ravindra, Ravi, Sumit, Chhuno Ram, Subhash, Neema, Rajan, Sahil, Ranjan, Suresh, Ashwani, and others.

Key Speakers and Demands

Vijendra Mehra, Ramakant Mishra, Dimple, and Rakesh Kumar addressed the meeting. They announced that a statewide strike would be observed in May, bringing all bank operations to a halt, to press for the demands of SBI contract workers.

The leaders highlighted the severe exploitation of housekeeping staff working in SBI branches across Himachal Pradesh. They pointed out that these workers are not even being paid the minimum wage declared by the central government. Many workers have not received their salaries for months, and in some cases, EPF contributions have not been deposited for several months. There are significant discrepancies in the EPF accounts of the workers.

Major Issues Raised

1. Unlawful Transfers: Workers are being transferred in violation of the Contract Labour Act of 1970.
2. Long Working Hours: Workers are forced to work 10-11 hours daily without overtime pay. Many female workers are required to work from 8 AM to 7 PM, compromising their social security.
3. Additional Duties: Workers are being assigned tasks beyond their job descriptions, such as opening and closing the bank, voucher filing, document retrieval, serving water, making tea and food, cleaning utensils, messenger duties, peon work, mail delivery, bill payments, filling forms for Atal Pension Yojana and Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, account opening, and register maintenance. No additional payment or TA is provided for these tasks.
4. Uniform Deductions: The cost of two uniforms provided to workers is deducted from their salaries.
5. Lack of Documents: Workers are not provided salary slips, EPF annual statements, or identity cards.
6. No Leave Facilities: Apart from weekly offs, workers are not granted any leave. If they take leave, they must arrange and pay for their replacements.
7. No Medical Benefits: Workers are denied medical facilities.
8. Unequal Pay: Workers are not paid equal wages for equal work, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s order dated October 26, 2016.
9. Delayed Salaries: Salaries are not paid by the 7th of every month, as required by law. Some contractors have not paid workers for several months.
10. Job Insecurity: Workers face threats of termination if they oppose the employer’s arbitrary actions.
11. Forced Retirement: Workers are being forcibly retired at the age of 50.
12. Unjust Transfers: Many workers are being transferred without valid reasons.

Union’s Warning

The union warned that if the issues are not resolved promptly, they will be compelled to stage a protest and gherao the SBI headquarters in Shimla.

Additional Demands

• Reimbursement for Cleaning Supplies: Workers are spending approximately ₹800 monthly from their pockets for cleaning supplies.
• Immediate Payment of Pending Salaries: Ensure timely payment of salaries and EPF contributions.
• Job Security: Provide job security and stop unlawful terminations.
• Medical and Leave Facilities: Implement medical benefits and leave provisions for workers.
• Equal Pay for Equal Work: Ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s order on equal pay for equal work.

The union leaders called for immediate action to address these grievances and vowed to intensify their struggle if their demands are not met.