Agartala, January 7 (TIWN): Public sector bank union had cancelled their one-day strike, proposed for January 7th, while negotiations will continue with the management representatives on wage hike and other issues. Talking to TIWN, bank official informed that, the strike have been deferred as Indian Banks Association (IBA) improved the offer to 12.5 per cent from 11 per cent, United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU ).But negotiations would continue as the unions have not agreed to the improved offer. "We will continue to negotiate for further improvement in the wage revision with the IBA," – the official further added.

On the other hand, talking to the TIWN, UFBU, and State Unit leaders said that it is two years since we submitted our charter of demands. While 13 rounds of negotiations have taken place, there is no satisfactory process in the talks because of the negative attitude of the IBA/Government.

Everyone is aware that employees and officers in the banking sector are doing their best to serve the customers and implement various schemes of the government despite innumerable hardships and difficulties. Yet, the genuine demand for adequate wage revision is being delayed and denied, they mentioned.

It is to be mentioned here that, all nationalized banks of the state had decided to hold statewide strike as a part of the nationwide bank strike under the banner of United Forum of Bank Union (UFBU) demanding revision of salary rates. A total of 405 branches of different banks, except Tripura Cooperative Bank will take part in the movement, said UFBU, State Unit leaders. All the ATMs adjacent to all branches of Tripura Cooperative Bank and hospitals would not come under the jurisdiction of the strike, he added. UFBU, State Unit leaders said that it is two years since we submitted our charter of demands. While 13 rounds of negotiations have taken place, there is no satisfactory process in the talks because of the negative attitude of the IBA/Government. The Forum alleged that their prolonged 13-point charter of demands was not fulfilled by IBA/Government which forced them to resort to further violent extent of agitation.

Earlier, United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), State Unit, representing employees of public and private sector banks had observed one day strike regarding various demands on December 4.