Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Nepal Financial Institutions Employees Union (FIUN) has expressed serious concern over the alleged mental harassment, retaliatory transfer, interference in trade union rights and violation of workers’ rights at Nepal SBI Bank.

Issuing a press release on Thursday, FBI said that although an internal investigation was initiated after the complaint of the employees working at the commercial branch of the bank on the basis of facts and details provided by the Nepal SBI Bank Employees Union, the complainant and the employees associated with the trade union were transferred in a retaliatory manner, mental pressure was created and there was an attempt to weaken the trade union activities.

According to the association, such activities are against the fundamental rights of workers guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal, freedom of trade unions, Labour Act, 2074 BS, Trade Union Act, 2049 and the bank’s anti-harassment policy. It will undermine good governance, social dialogue and institutional labour relations, the union said.

“Complaining about problems or irregularities in the workplace, expressing one’s opinion or protecting one’s rights through trade unions shall not be punishable for any employee,” the statement reads. “Retaliatory treatment of employees due to such activities would be against the basic principles of democratic labour relations,” the union said.

FION has demanded a fair, independent and transparent investigation into the entire incident at Nepal SBI Bank, a review of the alleged retaliatory transfer and other discriminatory decisions taken against the complainants, aggrieved employees and trade union officials. It has also urged the government to make available the report of the entire investigation process including the Complaint Redressal Committee to the concerned parties and take a decision in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

The association has demanded that the management should take necessary steps to ensure trade union rights, freedom of expression and safe and respectful work environment in the bank, and the regulatory bodies concerned including Nepal Rastra Bank should take initiatives to ensure the effective implementation of labour rights, corporate governance and legal provisions in the banking sector.

Expressing solidarity with the demands of Nepal SBI Bank Employees Association related to workers’ welfare, justice and rule of law, FIU has urged all concerned to be responsible and sensitive to ensure a safe, dignified and retaliatory working environment for all employees of the financial sector.