The All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Union (AIBOBOU) has requested a new policy that grants employees the “Right to Disconnect” from work-related tasks outside of office hours. The union claims that constant work pressure, staffing shortages, and after-hours messages are negatively impacting officers’ mental health, leading to stress, and even suicides. Bank officers are expected to be available 24/7, responding to video calls, WhatsApp messages, emails, and compliance work, leaving no time for rest or family.
The union argues that this culture of being “always available” is a serious problem that damages the bank’s reputation and violates employees’ rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, personal liberty, and dignity. The demand for the “Right to Disconnect” is not just about comfort, but about protecting employees’ rights and well-being. The union has asked the bank to take four main steps: implement a Right to Disconnect Policy, control meetings and deadlines, ensure respectful behavior from senior staff, and increase staff numbers to reduce heavy workloads.
The “Right to Disconnect” is already law in several countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and the Philippines, where employers are prohibited from forcing workers to respond to calls, emails, or messages outside of office hours. The union believes that India should follow these global examples and protect workers’ rights. The issue has been taken to the national level, with the union sending letters to the Ministry of Finance and the Chief Labour Commissioner.
The bank’s management may argue that banking is an essential service that requires quick action outside of office hours, but the union believes that this can be addressed by clearly defining what constitutes a “genuine emergency.” Changing the workplace culture will take time and effort, but the union is determined to fight for employees’ rights. The demand for the “Right to Disconnect” is a turning point for bank employees in India, and if the bank takes action, it could become a leader in protecting employees’ well-being and set an example for other companies. However, if the issue is not addressed, it could grow into a bigger conflict across the banking industry.