Kolkata: The All India Bank Officers’ Confederation West Bengal State Unit (AIBOC WBSU) has raised serious concerns about the recent termination of six employees by Standard Chartered Bank, describing it as an unlawful act of “union-busting.” This incident, which includes the abrupt dismissal of prominent union leaders under the guise of redundancy, has ignited significant backlash from the banking community and brought to light ongoing issues of employee rights and workplace conditions within the bank.
Union Leaders Terminated Amid Controversy
On September 18, 2025, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) made headlines when it terminated the services of two key office bearers and four members of the Association of Standard Chartered Bank Officers’ (ASCOB) in Kolkata. The terminated individuals, including Com. Satyajeet Tripathy, General Secretary, and Com. Tilottama Roy, President of ASCOB, were dismissed under questionable circumstances, with the claim of “redundancy” being labeled increasingly dubious by the union.
The immediate dismissal of these employees, along with the clearing of their dues without prior consultation, raised eyebrows among labor rights advocates. According to ASCOB, these actions violate Section 33 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which prohibits punitive measures against employees during active adjudication of industrial disputes. This legal framework exists to protect employees from unjust dismissals, especially when they are involved in ongoing disputes regarding their rights.
Unveiling a Pattern of Exploitation
“This act is more than just a simple termination; it’s part of a broader strategy to intimidate those raising valid concerns about employee treatment and discrimination,” stated an AIBOC representative. The union has highlighted several ongoing issues at SCB. Employees have reported denial of holidays guaranteed under the NI Act, significant salary discrepancies between officers and clerical staff, and misuse of redundancy policies as tools for arbitrary dismissals.
Additionally, there are alarming reports of extended working hours and a lack of work-life balance, with female officers facing particularly severe instances of harassment. In a climate where the voice of dissent is actively being silenced, the repercussions extend beyond the six dismissed members. The ASCOB has had its official social media channels suspended, further stifling communication about its internal issues.
Historical Context of Recent Terminations
The latest firings are not an isolated incident but part of SCB’s ongoing trend of targeted dismissals aimed specifically at union members. For example, in 2022, Com. Indranil Bhattacharya, who dedicated 17 years to the bank, was let go under similar claims of redundancy. Soon after, the bank hired new employees for the same position, bringing the legitimacy of SCB’s claims into question. The pattern continues with Com. Sanjib Dey, who faced a redundancy notice in 2024.
Such actions raise critical questions about the integrity of SCB’s operations and its treatment of employees engaged in union activities. AIBOC has expressed that allowing such practices to continue resonates a wider message that undermines employee rights, particularly among trade unions in private and foreign banks.
A Call to Action
In light of these recent events, the AIBOC West Bengal State Committee has voiced strong demands for the reinstatement of the terminated individuals and a withdrawal of SCB’s anti-union stance. They are also calling on the State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) to step in and help resolve the conflict. AIBOC firmly believes that these terminations represent a broader threat to the union movement within the banking sector.
“If we allow this type of behavior to persist, it will embolden other multinational corporations to undermine the hard-won rights of bank officers,” warned a senior AIBOC official. The association is adamant about standing in solidarity with ASCOB, indicating that if SCB does not take immediate corrective measures, the organized banking community will mobilize under the AIBOC banner to escalate the issue.
Summary of Key Facts
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Termination Date | September 18, 2025 |
| Number of Employees Terminated | 6 |
| Key Figures | Com. Satyajeet Tripathy, General Secretary; Com. Tilottama Roy, President |
| Legal Violations Cited | Section 33 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 |
| Historical Allegations | Misuse of redundancy policies, discrimination, harassment |
| AIBOC Demands | Reinstatement of terminated employees; recognition of ASCOB |
Bankerpedia’s Insight 💡
The recent termination of key ASCOB leaders by Standard Chartered Bank under dubious claims of redundancy is alarming and undermines not just employee rights but the integrity of the banking sector in India. This sets a dangerous precedent for corporate governance, risking further erosion of labor rights across banks. Vigilant advocacy from unions like AIBOC is crucial; ongoing worker silence could embolden other multinational corporations to follow suit. Readers should stay informed, support union efforts, and advocate for fair treatment within their workplaces to help protect their rights and promote a healthier work environment.
How Does This Affect the Banking Ecosystem? 🏦
- Bank Employees → Increased job insecurity and potential union suppression for employees.
- Bank Management → Increased scrutiny on management’s labor practices and policies.
- Bank Customers → Bank customers may face reduced service quality and stability.
- Investors / Shareholders → Potential legal issues and reputational damage may arise.
- Regulators (RBI, SEBI, Govt.) → Increased scrutiny on corporate practices and labor rights enforcement.
- General Public → Threatens workers’ rights and union representation in banking.
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