Letter to the Chairman - Strong Protest against management's unlawful threats regarding AIRRBEA’s All India Strike (28.09.2026 to 30.09.2026), mischaracterization of PLI as a "Gift," and deliberate delay & uncertainty in PLI & Promotion releases

We write on behalf of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Karnataka Grameena Bank Employees Union (KAGBEU) and Karnataka Grameena Bank Officers' Association (KAGBOA)—the majority and recognized bodies representing the workforce of the bank—to convey our severe objection, strong condemnation, and deep protest against the ongoing high-handed policies, coercive instructions, and derogatory statements made by top management during recent Video Conferences (VCs) and official interactions. 1. Unlawful Threats Regarding Participation in Trade Union Activities Our apex union, the All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA), in solidarity with the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), has issued a call for an All India 3-Day Strike from 28.09.2026 to 30.09.2026 to press for long-pending, legitimate demands, primarily the implementation of 5-Day Banking. Participating in organizational programs and agitational calls to protect the interests, dignity, and statutory rights of members is a fundamental right guaranteed under the governed laws of the nation (including the Trade Unions Act). Issuing coercive directives, making threatening statements during VC meetings, and instilling fear among the workforce to suppress lawful trade union activities is highly condemnable, anti-worker, and illegal. Both management and trade unions must operate within their legal boundaries; crossing these guidelines to intimidate staff constitutes a clear abuse of administrative power and inflicts immense mental pressure on employees. 2. Mischaracterization of PLI as a "Gift," Prolonged Delays, and Verbal Ambiguity During recent VCs, top management verbally stated that the bank "may release PLI benefit before Dasara." Furthermore, management attempted to frame this entitlement as a "GIFT from the Bank to its employees." The Joint Action Committee categorically rejects these statements and points out the ongoing administrative failures: • PLI is an Earned Right, Not Charity: PLI is a settlement-bound financial entitlement negotiated under the official Bipartite Settlement / Joint Note. It is a legal right belonging to every employee and officer of Karnataka Grameena Bank, not a favor, gesture, or gift bestowed by top management. • Empty Verbal Assurances vs. Immediate Release: Merely giving vague verbal assurances during VCs that the bank "may release" PLI creates total uncertainty and offers no guarantee. Until an official circular is issued and funds are actually credited immediately to employee accounts, such verbal statements remain meaningless tactics used to manage staff discontent. • Hard-Earned Money & Total Apathy: The growth, reach, and business performance of Karnataka Grameena Bank are the direct result of the relentless hard work and dedication of its employees, who remain the true backbone of this institution. If management truly had concern for its employees, PLI would not have suffered such an undue, prolonged delay. • The Example of Sponsored Counterparts: By stark comparison, Kerala Grameena Bank—which is sponsored by the very same Canara Bank—released PLI benefits back in July 2026 and published promotion vacancies as early as 15.07.2026. This contrast clearly exposes the indifferent treatment, apathy, and lack of respect shown by the present management of Karnataka Grameena Bank toward its workforce. Demands of the Joint Action Committee (JAC): As the unified representative body of the entire workforce, the JAC strongly urges your good self to immediately intervene and address these grievances: 1. Stall and retract all threatening instructions, communications, and coercive tactics attempting to restrain staff from participating in legitimate trade union programs. 2. Retract statements misrepresenting PLI as a "GIFT" and issue an immediate official circular disbursing the long-pending PLI benefits and releasing promotion vacancies without further delay or empty promises. 3. Maintain a healthy, lawful, and dignified work environment that respects bilateral agreements and worker rights. If the management fails to withdraw its high-handed, unlawful instructions and continues to undermine employee rights, the Joint Action Committee will be constrained to proceed further with appropriate legal remedies and organizational measures to safeguard the interest and dignity of our members. We reiterate that all the members of Karnataka Grameena Bank Employees' Union & Officers' Association will abide 100% by the call of the Union/Association and participate in the strike from 28.09.2026 to 30.09.2026 without fail. We request the management not to resort to any instructions to suppress the union/association activities and to maintain good industrial relations at the bank.