In Canara Bank, our BMS & NOBW affiliate got registered with the Deputy Registrar of Trade Unions, Nagpur, vide Registration No.NGP/45 dated 24-11-1964 by Shri Abaji Puranik, the first elected General Secretary, NOBW, Shri. K Devidas Pai, Shri K Upendra Nayak & Others, by the name Canara Bank Workers’ Union (Regd). The above said union was functioning as a powerful and effective unit of NOBW for 30 long years from 1964 to 1994 and in the year 1994 the then General Secretary of CBWU started defying the directions of BMS & NOBW and due to this intolerable indiscipline NOBW had disaffiliated the above union and thus present Canara Bank Workers’ Organisation (Regd) came into existence and registered with the Office of The Deputy Registrar of Trade Unions, Bombay vide Registration No. HO III-9056 dated 20-07-1994.
The Canara Bank Workers’ Organisation, a genuine Trade Union Organisation formed by the employees of Canara Bank and functioning under the democratic mandate of its members, has brought home many benefits and redressed innumerable grievances of the employees through legitimate trade union means.
All the Office Bearers of the Organisation are the employees of Canara Bank who could feel the pulse of the employees and thus are able to reflect the genuine aspirations of the employees in a purposeful manner. The real culture of BMS whereby erstwhile General Secretary and Working President of NOBW and the most successful General Secretary of our beloved organisation CBWO and later chose to become President of CBWO, Sri Mohan Kumtakar with magnanimity, relinquished the responsibility just to make way for younger generation, despite the fact that he had just completed a meagre 2 years and 22 days, as GS NOBW and 2 years as Working President NOBW, he had every opportunity to continue as GS/WP and still continue to guide NOBW/CBWO with his rich experience even today. This symbolizes and depicts the true tradition of BMS which propagates Tyag, Tapasya and Balidan. We are proud that he is our source of inspiration guiding to our beloved Organisation. He repeated the same in our Organisation also in our recently concluded All India Conference at Bengaluru in the month of March 2021 where he even relinquished the responsibility of Honorary Chairman of our Organisation. All the members present and past deserve this credit,
The primary task of the Organisation is to protect the hard earned rights, fight against deprival of legitimate entitlements and redress the grievances of the members. It is our belief and experience that a majority of routine problems of the employees can be solved through existing Industrial Relations and legal machinery. Only in exceptional cases, agitational approach is called for, that too, to the extent of making the Authorities realise the gravity and genuineness of the grievance. True to this concept, we have an effective machinery to represent the grievances of the members before the appropriate authorities at different levels and get redressal.
We believe that the pre-requisite for building a genuine democratic Trade Union is to make the most important constituent of the union, i.e., the ordinary member, strong. In this direction, we undertake educative programmes for our members to impart basic trade union knowledge as well as create awareness about the service conditions of the employees at different levels. This helps the members to involve themselves in the activities of the Organisation.
It is often said that the ‘Quality of an Organisation is reflected in the virtues personified by its members’. Our Organisation proclaims that all our members are wedded to a noble Nationalistic ideology. Our Organisation has drawn inspiration from that ideology and has grown from strength to strength since inception. Year after year since 1994 till date it is only onward march for our Organisation. Our Organisation, has successfully conducted All India Conferences which were held at Bengaluru in 1995, at Nagpur in 1999, at Delhi in 2002, at Mangaluru in 2006, at Hubballi in 2009, at Jaipur in 2012, at Goa in 2015,at Chandigarh in 2018 and first ever Amalgamated Conference with erstwhile Syndicate Bank NOBW unit, Syndicate Bank Staff Association later changed as Canara Bank Staff Association, at Bengaluru in 2021. This march with a ‘purpose’ our Organisation has carved out a niche for itself and is performing the functions of a vibrant, responsible Trade Union.
If you look back and recollect the day we started our journey from a place provided by our sister Organisation CBOO in their office with just two tables and two chairs, you can gauge the progress both qualitatively and quantitatively, that we have made since on 9th October 1994. Due to space constraints we shifted our office to a rented building on 26th January 2000 and then on 17th October 2014 we shifted to our own building and named it after Great Soul Abaji Puranik which was inaugurated by the then C&MD Sri R V Shastri and again on 2nd October 2016, we added one more feather in our achievement by creating our own Holiday Home. We named it after a stalwart Late Sri K Devidas Pai which was inaugurated by the then Executive Director Sri Dinabandhu Mahapatra. On 22nd July 2017 the then MD & CEO Sri Rakesh Sharma graced our National Executive Committee Meeting at our renovated Central Office, is a high point on the path of our progress.
As part of the UFBU, we continue to be the watchdog and undertaking wide educative campaign on the banking and employee related issues. We have supported the collective call for protests, agitations.
Within the bank, we are relentlessly exposing the shortcomings of the ineffective and docile majority union which is directly responsible for the welfare of employees. Our periodical circulars highlight the problems faced by employees. There is no dilution in our efforts while finding solutions to our grievances before the Management, through representations, personal discussions and also through legal recourse.
The Organisation has adopted the policy of continuous interaction with the employees in general and the members in particular .Our monthly meetings are open to all, conferences and seminars are held periodically involving cross-section people and management. All the activities are held in a very transparent manner. Our Organisation has also provided a common platform for all other union to meet and discuss the issues threadbare.
Our Organisation has a very close rapport with the other unions at our bank and other banks for achieving the common objective. The differences are not allowed to affect our functioning for achieving goal. We are not deterred by the indifferent attitude of the majority union. Our Organisation resolves to continue its fight whatever the provocations to stop it. There will be weekly meetings at Central Office followed by Monthly meet of district level office bearers. This will be addressed by important dignitaries representing various establishments. We have organised coaching classes for promotion aspirants and our organisation’s periodic circulars, publications are well appreciated
Indeed it is one of the rarest achievements in the annals of the Banking Trade Union Movement in general and Canara Bank in particular that a Union with just 24 years of its existence has proved its vibrancy and dynamism in functioning. We know it for certain that it would not have been possible but for the active and whole hearted co-operation from each and every member of our beloved Organisation. When dreams visualised are materialised, we would feel a sense of accomplishment, yes this is not a small feat, yet we are very much aware that we have a long way to go.
OUR ORGANISATION – OUR MISSION:
It is a matter of pride that your beloved organisation continues to have its sway over the policies and programmes of the Bank towards its customers/employees. The determined members, though numerically less, have played role of watchdog over the mis deeds of so called majority union. The period of one upmanship, unilaterism of leftists have given a burial to the shock and envy of peers. As the proud affiliate of number one trade union of the country, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, your organisation have shown exemplary involvement during the natural calamities, service to the proud jawans, fighting against the anti labour policies, fight against the will full defaulters, erratic loan restructuring and very importantly ensuring the excellent industrial relationship amongst the management and employees for welfare of all.
We are happy on this auspicious occasion of our 9th All India Conference and First Amalgamated Conference being held at Bengaluru on 13th & 14th March 2021 in the august presence of our MD&CEO Sri L V Prabhakarji, Executive Director Sri Debashish Mukharjee and CGM H R Sri L V R Prasad, has added a feather in our cap and made way for increasing our strength through the coming in of erstwhile Syndicate Bank members into our fold and we gladly welcome them and look forward to their contribution in strengthening our organisation. The number and the experience they have brought is sure to be strength to all of us.
We are increasing our liaison representatives at all circles and head office to service the need of our members. We have developed good defense counselling to fight for employees in just causes. Training camps, periodic meetings, visits to the branches, publications, membership drive, aiding the members in distress, assistance to the members and their families during the tours are all held to keep in constant touch with members and with management.
Consequent upon the Notification No.CG DL E 04032020-216535 dated 04.03.2020, by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India published in Gazette of dated 04.03.2020, a scheme called “the Amalgamation of Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank, 2020” has come into force from 1st April 2020. As a result, registered unions functioning in the above two Banks with affiliations to Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and its Banking Federation National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW) decided to merge with each other and hence Syndicate Bank Staff Association(Regd) with Registration No.673/1964 registered with Registrar of Trade Unions in Mysore, Bangalore on 13-10-1964 and later changed its name as Canara Bank Staff Association by way of Amendment Certificate dated 11.09.2020, a registered union and an affiliate of BMS/NOBW also decided to merge itself with already existing and functioning BMS/NOBW affiliate in Canara Bank, by name Canara Bank Workers’ Organisation (Regd.) a 27 years old registered Trade Union, fostering a spirit of fraternity amongst all the Workmen employees of Canara Bank, to unite and regulate their relationship with the Bank, is registered under the Indian Trade Unions Act, 1926, in the Office of the Deputy Registrar of Trade Unions, Mumbai on 28th July 1994 with Registration No. H. O. III-9066 and held its first ever amalgamation Conference on 13th & 14th March 2021 at Hebbar Srivaishnava Sabha, Bengaluru was held at the Green and Serene City of Bengaluru which wore a festive saffron attire, as it was gracious host to our conference for two days.
The reception committee of the conference was decked up with flowery decorations, catchy displays, buntings to welcome restricted 200 delegates, on account of Covid, of the conference from across the country. The delegation had a gathering which included about 100 women delegates flowing in from all corners and representing all circles, as per the legal mandate from both unions by their respective Executive Committees and General Bodies with due notice to its members and with required quorum, in the august presence of galaxy of dignified personalities like, Shri D V Sadanand Gowda, the then Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri L V Prabhakar, our beloved MD&CEO, Shri Debashish Mukherjee, Executive Director, Shri L V R Prasad, Chief General Manager, H R Wing, Head Office, Shri Girish Arya, All India Secretary and Financial Sector Incharge, BMS, Shri. Ramnath R Kini, Saha Prabhari and Shri Upendrakumar, General Secretary, NOBW, with the rendition melodious National song “Vande Mataram” by Smt.Nalini Sriranga our activist from Bengaluru.Apart from these we also had top level executives of our Canara Bank who had witnessed the amalgamation and had congratulated us the way in which the smooth merger of the organisation happened. The Office bearers of our beloved organisation were in attendance much earlier to receive the delegates and for ensuring the disciplined arrangements for the smooth conduct of the conference. The process of registration completed in about 30 minutes of time. As the delegates arrived at the venue of the conference, they were greeted by the enthusiastic slogans of “Vande Mataram”, Bharat Mata Ki Jai, BMS Zindabad,NOBW Zindabad,CBWO Zindabad,Rashtra Bhakt Mazdooro Ek Ho,BMS Ki Kya Pehachan Tyag, Tapasya Aur Balidan, Awaz Do Hum Ek Hein which spurred the meet to more vibrant participation. The delegates then moved to assemble at the entrance of the venue for the organisations’ emblem of Dwajaarohan (Flag Hoisting). The flag hoisting was completed by Smt. Latha Shenoy, President of CBWO and Shri Rajendra Tiwari, President CBSA, simultaneously marking the beginning of the eventful conference followed by rendering Organisation’s Shramik Geet upholding the virtues of work, need for unity among masses and bringing in equality through dedication and sacrifice. Efforts of Shri K. Prabhakar and Smt. Veena Jagannath the General Secretaries of CBWO and CBSA should be lauded for the smooth and efficient amalgamation.
The second day of the conference began with the delegates participating in the Praanayama and Yoga session at 6.00 a m.The session opened at 8.30 a m, according a “”Mukth Chinthan” forum to delegates. The views were frankly exchanged and road maps were drawn to carry forward the organisation in future. To make room for new office bearers for next three years through the election, the present set up of office bearers were dissolved owing to the completion of their tenure. The house recalled with all gratitude the support extended especially by them and each and every past and present members in discharging obligations. Men may come and men may go, the values and the Institutions shall always remain eternal and we can only thank for the opportunity accorded to us from contributing our mite towards the organisation. Thanks to the commitment of their leadership, a good action plan for succession has already been taken care of.
‘Karmanye Vaadhikarastey Maa Phaleshu Kadaachana’ has been the guiding principle adopted by men and women of eminence. Nothing is permanent and none is indispensable was a great realisation of these worthies. That noble thought prompted many eminent personalities to leave behind legacies worthy of emulation and envy of peers. CBWO is one such entity emanated from out of that school of thought. It has a visionary leadership and committed cadres. We have experienced during our tenure and never even once, our shoulders felt any burden. Shri. Ramnath R Kini, Saha Prabhari BMS, Returning Officer announced the Agenda for the Election of new office bearers of CBWO as per the Rules & Bye Laws and called upon for nominations. Sri K Prabhakar, outgoing General Secretary,CBWO presented a list of names of members to be elected as prospective office bearer of Amalgamated CBWO and the same was seconded by Shri. K Shantharam Nayak, outgoing Treasurer. The nomination papers, duly signed, were presented to the Returning Officer. Calling for objections, if any by the members and there was no objection from any member to the proposed nomination, Returning Officer again called for any new or change of nomination to the proposed list. As there was no new or change of nomination by any member, Shri. Ramnath Kini, Returning Officer declared the names of members as appeared in the nomination list duly proposed and seconded by as elected unopposed. The declaration of the result was unanimously welcomed by all the delegates and wished the new office bearers all the best and assured the co operation of all members to the new set up. Our members had chosen Shri. Virendra Sharma (Delhi Circle) as the President, Smt. Veena Jagannath(Bengaluru Circle) as the General Secretary and Smt. B S Beena (Bengaluru Circle) as the Treasurer (only the key posts has been represented here).Shri Virender Kumar Sharma, newly elected President thanked the members for reposing faith and confidence in the new team and for having the team as unopposed.
Following the above event, the house proceeded to conduct the last item of the Agenda, which was Valedictory Address “Samarop Boudhik’’ by Shri. Venkatesh Murthy, an activist of RSS Bengaluru and Founder, Youth For Seva. Before becoming functionary of RSS, he had completed his B. E. in Computer Science and worked in United States for 18 long years and returned to Bharat and devoted his life for social activities. Highly knowledgeable on contemporary economics and world trade cycles, he addressed the gathering keeping the audience with rapt attention. Explaining the modus operandi of world bodies to deliberately keep out or ignore hidden wage employment which have not seen to be income earning like those of services of maids, housewives which if accounted scientifically will amount to additional billions of dollars into India’s GDP, he resented the colonial mindset of Indian policy makers to take up the same at world forums. Coming out strongly against financial sector and financial resources merely as a political tool, he said such practices kill the entrepreneurial skill of its citizens besides squandering away the scarce resources. The socio economic factor should override the political vote considerations in devising economic policies which he explained with many facts and figures. He concluded his speech by calling for socio economic self resilience with traditional value based principles without compromising on security matters. He was off the podium to the thunderous applause from audience.Friends, the Organisational rejuvenation in the form of All India Conference has just taken off. The fruits of the event have to be reaped by all the members. This would benefit both the Institution and the Organisation. In this direction, the period saddled with great uncertainties and fond expectations, the inner strength and conviction towards chosen ideology, will be the sole beacon light for the employees to sail through the turbulent waters. The test will be ‘not swimming along with the current ‘but by swimming ‘against the current’ with resilience and marked purpose.
Bhopal NEC Meeting -24th July 2021.
After the amalgamation conference due to the impact of COVID – 19 in various parts of the nation, the organisational work had been left in slumber. To revive the organisational activities a NEC Meeting was conducted at Bhopal. The Bhopal Circle Team led by Shri.Ravindra Khare had taken charge of the arrangements and had done excellent job. We take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of our Bhopal team. This meeting was also attended by the BMS Madhya Pradesh office bearers and by Shri.Girish Chandra Arya (Prabhari, Financial Sector, BMS). This Meeting primarily had discussion regarding of the revival of organisational work.
Varanasi NEC Meeting– 25th, 26th and 27th of December 2021.
Our next NEC was conducted just last week at Varanasi, the town of Kashi Vishwanath and Kala Bhairav.
Varanasi, or Banaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author, and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. River Ganga in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Our NEC meeting was graced by the presence of Shri. B Surendran,National Organising Secretary, BMS, Shri.Girish Chandra Arya,Prabhari, Financial Sector, BMS, Shri.Ramnath Kini, Banking Sector Deputy In charge, BMS ,Shri. K Vinodkumar, (Dhanlaxmi Bank Ernakulam),President, NOBW, Shri. Man Mohan Gupta,(PNB Delhi) Working President NOBW, and Shri.Upendra Kumar, (BOB, Muzaffarpur, Bihar) General Secretary, NOBW. This meeting was convened to creating a succession plan for Smt. Veena Jagannath our General Secretary who is due for retirement on 31st of January 2022. As you all are aware that BMS has mandated that no retired person should be holding Official Positions after the retirement. Adhering to the above guidelines the NEC members of our organisation decided to Co-Opt Shri. Anand Ayyappan, present Deputy General Secretary, working in Palayam, Trivandrum branch, as the General Secretary so that the transition process can be properly done well before the retirement date of incumbent General Secretary.
This meeting was conducted along with the NEC of NOBW. This had been a momentous occasion where member of our organisation was able to interact with considerable number of Members from the various affiliates of NOBW. Thus, this meeting was able to create more goodwill and connection between members of various organisations joining together under the banner of NOBW. The new thoughts and ideas were shared which had in turn created an extremely healthy ground for our future initiatives. We are grateful to NOBW for giving us such an opportunity.
During this Conference, a young & energetic NEC team, for the term 2021-2023, was elected unanimously and we are happy to place on record that all those are in the team are retiring only after 2023 and there are many who have more than 10 to 15 years of service.
Recent NEC Meeting at Central Office Bengaluru held on 27th & 28th August 2022
The recent NEC Meeting of our beloved Organisation was held at the serene environs of Dattopanth Sabha Gruha of our Central Office named after Abaji Puranik, Sheshadripuram Bengalru and the highlight of the meeting was launching of our website by none other than our beloved MD & CEO of Canara Bank Sri L V Prabhakar who was kind enough to come to all the way to our Union Office and address our NEC. Various employee welfare related issues were discussed threadbare and resolutions were passed in this regard and placed before the Management for redressal. This meeting was convened to creating a succession plan for Sri. Virender Kumar Sharma our President who is due for retirement on 31st of August 2022. As you all are aware that BMS has mandated that no retired person should be holding Official Positions after the retirement. Adhering to the above guidelines the NEC members of our organisation decided to Co-Opt Shri. Mahendra Nandi, present Vice President, working in Circle Office Hubballi, as the President so that the transition process can be properly done well before the retirement date of incumbent President.
With such an effective successive succession plan, we boldly boast that this team has added an impressive good number of members after the conference. Here, we will be failing in our duty, if we do not place on record the relentless effort with restless tours by entire NEC, for membership canvass. At Central Office Bengaluru, we have responsible Office bearers who have distributed among themselves the various regular activities like liaison with HO, COs and correspondence with all concerned etc,.
Despite, periodical attrition by way of Promotions, Superannuation, and resignations etc., our Organisation has maintained a decent and steady growth with the very active participation of our dedicated members all over the country.In anticipation of continued support and co-operation from our members, we are very confident of reporting an excellent progress in the days to come.