KOLLAM: Discontent, fired by union rivalry, is brewing among employees over the SBI in-cadre promotion and priority transfer list. Members of the SBT staff union that had opposed its merger with the SBI say they are discriminated against and allege an unholy nexus between them and the management. They demand an "unbiased" list. "The bank is employing purely unfair labour practices,” said a former SBT union leader. The in-cadre service policy, he says, mandates an assured career progression every eight, 16, and 24 years, as senior associates, special associates, and chief associates based on seniority.
They accuse the “management-sponsored union” of manipulating this. “They transfer those unwilling to join the SBI union to remote branches, ” he said. They have now approached the labour commissioner for action under Schedule V of Industrial Dispute Act against some 19 top executives for unfair labour practices. While the top management assures proper treatment, they the discrimination prevails at the local level. It affects the morale and, in turn, the customer service and the work-life balance. They say the overall business of the SBI is sliding fast. “Customers close their accounts and deposit growth is negative,” he said.
