Ever since the Central Government announced in September, 2018 their decision to amalgamate and merger Bank Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank, we have been engaging ourselves in continuous protest programmes to oppose this unwarranted move. We had observed a very successful protest strike on 26^th December, 2018. But typical of this Government, they are trying to ignore our democratic protests and recently they have announced the approval of the merger by the Cabinet and notifying the Scheme.

In the meeting of our UFBU held at Mumbai on 17-1-2019, the issue was discussed and it was decided to continue our protest by further prograammes and accordingly the following programmes have been taken.

1. UFBU to address letters to Prime Minister, Finance Minister, RBI Governor seeking their review of the decision.

2. To address letters to Members of Parliament for taking up the issue in the ensuing Session of the Parliament.

3. To address letters to various political parties seeking their support.

4. To hold demonstrations in all State Capitals and other major cities/ towns on 06.02.2019, 13.02.2019, 20.02.2019 and 27.02.2019.

5. To hold demonstration before Parliament on 07.02.2019 at Delhi.

Comrades, our opposition to merger of Banks is a principled one since mergers are totally unwarranted in our country. Merger of Banks does not benefit anyone as we have experienced in the case of merger of 6 Banks with SBI. On the other hand, it has only added to the problems of the Banks and resulted in closure of branches. Hence we must continue our opposition against such whimsical merger of banks. We call upon all our unions and members to implement the programmes successfully. Hereafter, UFBU will meet and decide the future course of action.