19 th October was the foundation day of SBIOAK. 36 years ago on this day SBIOAK was formed when even the circle was not born. A rare and interesting feature of SBIOAK.
SBIOAK was born out of rebellion. It is a child born out of resentment of discrimination and step motherly treatment meted out by the erstwhile Madras circle which Karnataka was a part of. It was an orphan because it had neither affiliation from its own federation nor recognition from the Bank because it came out of Madras circle in protest. The founders of this orphan baby comrade Nanjappa & comrade late Mandanna has to be given a red salute for their heroics and sacrifices.
Having such a difficult birth, it went on to produce the best trade union leaders not only in SBI but supplied to the whole industry as well. Having such a proud and colossus stride, it faltered when the winds of change in the banking industry started blowing fast and furious. Somehow it failed to get wind of change and adjust its sail to the wind. What happened after this watershed moment is with in the knowledge of every state banker. And the management after tasting blood further tightened its hold. The emaciated trade union is undergoing tremendous testing times and is in dire need of rejuvenation and reinvigoration. This can only come from its membership who has to demonstrate and reinvest their faith in it. They should have patience and perseverance.
It is a cycle. What goes up has to come down and what comes down has to go up.
Trade union is a necessary evil even if one considers it an evil. It provides checks where needed for the healthy and fair conduct of banking business. It is almost akin to an adage - a strong opposition is a sign of progress in democracy. A strong trade union is needed to ensure that the bank does not falter.
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