Sexual Harassment of Women in Banks, Women pressurized to withdraw Complaints

The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) has written to the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), raising serious concerns about the functioning of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in banks. These committees are responsible for handling complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace, as mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Call for Action by IBA

AIBEA has urged the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) to issue an advisory to all banks, instructing them to address these issues and make the ICCs more effective. The union believes that ensuring a fair and transparent complaints system will help protect women employees from harassment and provide them with a safer work environment.

The banking sector employs a large number of women, and AIBEA insists that their safety and rights should not be compromised. The union has also called on its member unions to monitor the implementation of ICC guidelines in their respective banks and take up issues on behalf of affected employees.

Conclusion

Workplace safety is a fundamental right of every employee. AIBEA’s initiative highlights the urgent need for banks to strengthen their Internal Complaints Committees and ensure that women employees feel safe and supported. The ball is now in the court of the Indian Banks’ Association to take necessary action and address these pressing concerns.