Banking Bill : Bank unions warn of flash strikes

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body of nine unions, warned of flash strikes if the government proceeds with the Banking Amendment Bill of 2011.

The warning comes as the federation fears that the government is trying to rush through with the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill of 2011 that seeks drastic changes in the existing laws.

"We have written to the members of the Parliamentary standing committee on finance to look into the issues raised by us. We have also sought a meeting with them, but they have not given us any date so far," UFBU Convener CH Venkatachalam told PTI.

"Since no positive response has come to us so far, we have decided to alert our units to get ready for a flash strike if the government proceeds with the Bill," he said.

Stating that there is a concerted effort to push through the reforms on the part of the government, he said, "if the Bill is not taken up in this session, well and good. But, it appears that the government wants to somehow pass to bill in this session itself. They are not even willing to hear our views."
The monsoon session will come to an end on September 8.

"The government appears to be in a hurry to pass the Bill without discussions with the UFBU," he said.