AIBEA
The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), established on April 20, 1946 in Kolkata, is India’s oldest and one of the most influential trade unions in the banking sector and the only signatory in all the bipartite settlements till date. Formed during a time of growing workers’ movements across the country, AIBEA aimed to unite bank employees under a common platform to fight for fair wages, job security, better working conditions, and employee rights.
Over the years, AIBEA has been at the forefront of major struggles that shaped India’s banking landscape, most notably playing a critical role in the nationalization of banks in 1969, a landmark move that shifted major private banks under government control for public welfare. The association strongly advocates for the protection and strengthening of public sector banks, believing that banking services should prioritize social development rather than private profits.
AIBEA has organized numerous strikes, negotiations, and awareness campaigns not only to improve the welfare of bank workers but also to defend the broader interests of customers and the Indian economy. It stands firmly against privatization, foreign control of Indian banking, and anti-worker reforms. Besides wage negotiations, AIBEA actively engages with issues such as pensions, employee rights during mergers, service conditions, and defending jobs during technological changes.
Today, AIBEA continues to be a powerful and respected voice, representing hundreds of thousands of bank employees across India. It is affiliated with larger labor organizations and maintains a commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, and the democratization of banking services for all sections of society.
STATE SECTOR BANK EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION – From the Pages of History
The Government of India enacted the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act on 1st April 1960, under which seven erstwhile state-owned banks — State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, State Bank of Indore, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Travancore, and State Bank of Saurashtra — became subsidiaries of the State Bank of India (SBI).
During those early years, the State Bank of India Staff Federation attempted to organize unions within these banks. However, the employees of these banks strongly resisted. In State Bank of Indore, an intense struggle unfolded, and eventually, all employees of the subsidiary banks came under the banner of AIBEA — with the exception of State Bank of Saurashtra.
Between 1958 and 1966, bank-wise struggles were launched by unions in the six associate banks. A Co-ordination Committee, comprising union representatives, was formed to tackle common issues. This committee achieved moderate success. Com. H.L. Parvana, based in Delhi, played a key role in strengthening union activities, especially in State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur.
Around 1966, the need for a dedicated organizational structure to represent employees of the six associate banks against their common employer, State Bank of India, became evident. Thus, the State Sector Bank Employees’ Association (SSBEA) was established in Hyderabad in November 1966. Com. P. S. Sundaresan became the first General Secretary. Later, the association was led by Com. M. Anjani, Com. N. K. Gaur, Com. N. Venugopal, and Com. K. S. Krishna. The SSBEA represented nearly 50,000 members.
SSBEA negotiated with SBI Management on several key issues, including promotion policies for sub-staff, clerical cadre, Special Assistants, and Head Clerks, as well as a fair transfer policy ensuring no unwilling employee would be transferred. The association also secured loan schemes, canteen subsidies, and addressed many other employee welfare matters.
While other nationalized banks witnessed considerable growth post-1969, SBI’s policies were perceived as restrictive towards the growth of its associate banks. In response, SSBEA launched a campaign to de-link the associate banks from SBI’s control. Meanwhile, SBI Management aimed to merge the associate banks with SBI.
In 2005, SBI made a serious attempt to merge all associate banks. Unions — AIBEA, AIBOA, NCBE, and AIBOC — strongly opposed the move. A meeting was held in Chennai on 3rd July 2005, where an agitation plan was declared.
On 25th August 2007, the Central Board of SBI approved the merger proposal, starting with State Bank of Saurashtra. SSBEA responded with a series of agitations, including mass dharnas and a full-day strike on 27th September 2007, which was a grand success. A joint strike was also held on 3rd and 4th December 2007. A meeting on 14th November 2007 in Mumbai brought together representatives from all unions — AIBEA, ABOA, SSBEA, AIBOA, BEFI, NOBW, and NOBO.
A mass dharna was held in Delhi on 4th January 2008. In response to growing pressure, SBI Management scheduled board meetings across associate banks for 25th January 2008 to push the merger agenda. AIBEA declared a nationwide strike, supported by left parties, creating significant public momentum. Under pressure, SBI Chairman Shri O. P. Bhatt postponed the board meetings after consultations with union leaders.
However, SBI’s intent remained unchanged. In subsequent bipartite meetings, the Management began linking incentives with the Career Progression Scheme (CPS), which involved increased working hours, transfer flexibility, and outsourcing. SSBEA conducted an in-depth study and opposed the CPS, mobilizing employees to reject the scheme. The resistance culminated in a historic rejection by employees. Although SBI Chairman Shri Pratip Chaudhary did not pursue mergers during most of his tenure, he revived the move shortly before retirement. Strikes and protests ultimately defeated this attempt.
When Mrs. Arundhati Bhattacharya became SBI Chairperson, merger of the associate banks became a top priority under the government’s direction. Resistance was mounted by unions across associate banks. AIBEA met in deputations to Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and Deputy Finance Minister Shri Jayant Sinha, led by Com. D. Raja, MP and Com. C. H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary of AIBEA, along with SSBEA representatives.
Amidst decisive struggles and explosive situations SSBEA Conference was held in April 2016 at Chandigarh and elected Com. K. S. Krishna as General Secretary. A decisive phase began when SBI Management formally announced the merger process. SSBEA responded with a lightning strike on 20th May 2016. Lot of MPs , MLAs and prominent people supported the agitation opposing merger of Associate Banks. The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution opposing the merger of State Bank of Travancore. Unique battle was fought by SBTEU in Kerala. Despite severe repression — including charge-sheets against leaders — the strike was a grand success. Eventually, the Union Cabinet approved the merger, and notification was issued, merging five associate banks into SBI w.e.f. 1st April 2017.
With a glorious legacy of struggles and achievements, SSBEA evolved into the All India State Bank of India Employees’ Association (AISBIEA). Com. Naresh Gaur and Com. K. S. Krishna assumed the roles of President and General Secretary respectively. Today, under the dynamic leadership of Com. Narkesar Rai, President, and Com. Anil Kumar, General Secretary, we march forward within State Bank of India.
