We, the active bank officers, employees, and union members across the country, are registering our deep anguish, anger, and sense of complete betrayal in light of recent developments affecting our work-life balance and overall well-being. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has been central to representing our collective voices and ensuring that our demands are met. However, the presence of retired office bearers within the UFBU has led us to question the effectiveness and relevance of our representation in crucial negotiations.

Our primary concern lies with the handling of the demand for a 5-day work week. A work schedule that offers a satisfactory work-life balance is not just a luxury but a necessity, especially in today's fast-paced world where stress levels are constantly high. The recent deferral of the strike, without achieving a tangible resolution, has left us feeling unsupported and sidelined. We believe that active union members, who face these challenges daily, are best positioned to negotiate the terms that impact our current work environment.

Retired office bearers, despite their years of service, may not have the same urgency in addressing current day-to-day working conditions. They are no longer part of the active workforce and might not fully grasp the evolving dynamics and pressures that we face today. This leads to a gap in representation, rendering us feeling voiceless during pivotal times of negotiation.

UFBU’s strength and credibility rest on its ability to be an authentic voice for active bank employees and officers. This can only be achieved if the representative body is composed exclusively of active members who are directly affected by employment terms. Hence, we urge for the restructuring of the UFBU, to ensure that it comprises solely of current office bearers who are actively part of the workforce.

We propose that a clear disqualification criterion be established for retired union members, to revitalise and reinforce our negotiating strength. With active representation, we can address not just the 5-day work week, but a plethora of other pressing issues that directly impact our productivity and morale.

We call upon the necessary authorities and principal stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively in this regard. Our goal is to build a stronger, more representative UFBU that truly reflects the needs and sentiments of the workforce it is meant to support.

Sign this petition to demand change, promote active representation, and ensure our voices are heard as integral members of the workforce.