Deep resent among GI staff over non-fulfilment of demand

Mumbai, Apr 11: The 50,000 employees of the four state-run general insurance companies are aghast over non-fulfilment of various demands which were raised by the trade union leaders during their reconciliation meeting with the Dy CLC. The meeting was held with the Dy CLC in New Delhi on April 08.

The demands include the settlement of the Wage Revision due from August 1, 202, improvement in Family Pension to a uniform rate of 30 per cent and pension update.

The demands also include an increase in NPS contribution to 14 per cent and pension for all under the General Insurance Pension Scheme, 1995.

In connection with the notice served by the General Secretary of the General Insurance Employees All India Association, dated February 14, concerning IR action/strike calls over pending demands and various issues pertaining to Public Sector General Insurance Companies/ General Insurance Corporation (Reinsurance), addressed to the Chairman (GIPSA) and the CMD of The Oriental Insurance Co, New Delhi, and endorsed to the Chief Labour Commissioner, Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment. Additionally, the Secretary of the All India Insurance Employees’ Associations and the General Secretary of the National Insurance Officers Association also sent notices to the Chairman, GIPSA, regarding the pending demands.

The Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner, Dr RG Meena, New Delhi, convened a conciliation meeting on April 8 and notices were issued to GIPSA, OIC Management, NIC Management, as well as the associations.

Trilok Singh, General Secretary, General Insurance Employees All India Association says, “These demands are for around 50,000 employees and officers working in Public Sector Insurance Companies and GIPSA Companies.”

After a marathon discussion lasting more than four hours in a very amicable environment, the Dy CLC (Central) patiently listened to all the burning issues and requested the management to deliberate on the issues. On the matter of family pension and NPS at 14 per cent, GIPSA acknowledged that they had already recommended these issues to DFS and are awaiting their approval.

“They also confirmed that the wage revision charter has been forwarded to DFS for consideration. The GIPSA management agreed that demands raised by the Unions and Associations are genuine and that things are being delayed due to elections,” said Darshan Wadhwa, Secretary-General, General Insurance Employees All India Association (Class I).

The representatives of the associations submitted that there is deep resentment among the employees and that the wage revision should be expedited immediately, as it has been settled in the Banking sector and LIC. They demanded an increase in NPS contribution from 10 per cent to 14 per cent and an increase in family pension from 15 per cent to 30 per cent, as done in the Banks and LIC. The Dy CLC referred to both parties, pointing out the obligations imposed under the provisions of Sec. 33 for employers and Sec 22(1)(d) for Associations/Trade Union of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

After thorough deliberation, the conciliation proceedings were adjourned and fixed for June 13, 2024, at 2:30 pm in the Office of Dy CLC, New Delhi. The representatives of the Associations and the Management jointly signed the minutes and proceedings along with the Dy CLC, New Delhi.