Kolkata: The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella organisation of all nine bank employees' union, on February 26 announced that it would join hands with Central Trade Unions and Federations to 'fight' against government's 'so-called' labour reforms.

"We are seriously concerned over the decision of the Union Cabinet on so-called Labour Reform which would give a free hand to the employers to retrench employees or even to close down companies with 1,000 employees without going for prior approval of the government," UFBU (Bengal State Unit) Convenor, Ashok Datta told reporters in Kolkata.

The UFBU on February 26 organised a protest rally of bank employees in Kolkata and threatened to intensify their agitation if the Bill was placed in Parliament. "This is an attack to weaken trade unions and it is time for all of us to unite and work together," he said.

The main strategy to 'fight' against the move will be chalked out on March 14 when 'Solidarity Day' will be organised. "The main programme will be chalked out by the new platform that is being created involving trade unions and federations," Datta said.

He said though banks employees would not be directly affected by the so-called Labour Reforms, 'but as a mark of solidarity with the workers, we will lend our full support to fight against the move.'

"We are working on two fronts to foil the move. Firstly, we will mobilise public opinion and secondly will take political parties into confidence," he said.

PTI