The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has urged the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) to review the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for bank officers, highlighting concerns over fairness, uniformity and the exclusion of a section of senior officers from incentive payments.
In a letter dated 9 October 2026, addressed to the Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association, Mumbai, UFBU requested an early meeting to discuss modifications to the revised PLI formula and resolve the matter through mutual consultation.
UFBU Raises Concerns Over the Revised PLI Scheme
According to the letter, the Government advised banks in November 2024 regarding the revised PLI scheme applicable to officers in Scale IV and above. Since then, UFBU has consistently raised objections with the IBA on the following grounds:
Bilateral discussions: Any change or modification to the scheme should be discussed bilaterally with the unions and associations.
Collective performance: The fundamental principle of PLI should remain linked to the collective performance of the bank.
Uniformity: The incentive norms should be uniform rather than creating disparities among officers.
UFBU has welcomed the decision to initiate discussions with the IBA on proposing modifications to the scheme to address the concerns raised by the unions and associations.
20% of Senior Officers Reportedly Received No PLI
One of the major concerns highlighted in the letter is that the revised PLI scheme for officers in Scale IV to Scale VIII for the financial year 2024–25 has already been implemented, and higher incentive amounts have been disbursed to certain officers at a substantial cost.
However, UFBU points out that approximately 20% of officers in Scale IV to Scale VIII have not received any PLI.
The forum argues that these officers have also contributed to the overall performance of their respective banks. Therefore, excluding them from incentive payments raises questions about fairness and the principle of collective achievement.
UFBU Seeks Review of PLI for 2024–25
Pending discussions on modifications to the scheme for 2025–26 and subsequent years, UFBU has requested a review of the PLI already paid for 2024–25.
The demand covers:
A review of PLI payments made to award staff and officers up to Scale III.
A review of officers in Scale IV to Scale VIII who did not receive any PLI.
Consideration of the contribution made by all employees towards the bank’s overall performance.
Protection of the principles of equity, fairness and uniformity under the existing Bipartite Settlement/Joint Note framework.
Demand for an Early Meeting with IBA
UFBU has requested the IBA to arrange a meeting at the earliest so that the issues can be discussed and resolved amicably and mutually.
The letter has been signed by representatives of major bank unions, including AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA and BEFI, along with other UFBU constituents.
The PLI issue has once again brought the focus on how performance incentives should be distributed in the banking sector. UFBU's position is that incentives should reflect the collective contribution of employees and follow transparent, fair and uniform principles.
The next step will be the discussions between UFBU and the IBA and whether the concerns regarding officers who received no PLI, along with the requested review of payments for 2024–25, will be addressed.
Stay tuned to Latest Bank Update for the latest developments on banking news, employee issues, PLI, wage-related matters and important updates from the banking sector.



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