United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), a union of nine major Trade Unions in the Banking Industry, has threatened to go ahead with their one-day strike on June 12 in connection with their demands related to wages of Employees and Officers. The development came after the failure of talks between IBA and UFBU before the Chief Labour Commissioner on Thursday.

The officers of different banks demonstrated across all states with impressive agitation in Mangalore and Bangalore.

They demanded increase in wages, unconditional extension in pension scheme and unconditional involvement in negotiation. The agitating Employees and Officers also asked for Ex-gratia Scheme and honor to the Compassionate Appointment as per a Memorandum of Understanding signed between IBA and UFBU in February 2008.

C H Venkatachalam, convener of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), said, "UFBU has offered to sit together with IBA for bilateral talks to find solutions, provided there are no pre-conditions from IBA. However, IBA insisted that talks can be held only if UFBU withdrew the strike."

Mr. Venkatachalam condemned the negative approach and indifferent attitude of the Indian Banks Association to address their genuine demands.