NEW DELHI, SEP 11 (PTI): Banking services, particularly at public sector banks, were hit across the country on Friday as employees affiliated with the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) observed a nationwide strike demanding immediate implementation of a five-day work week.
The strike call given by the UFBU, an umbrella body of seven unions representing 90 per cent of officer and employee strength, however, did not impact the functioning of private sector banks. Most branches of public sector banks across India were either completely or partially closed.
Services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and administrative work were hit at branches of most public sector banks (PSBs) and some old-generation private sector banks.
All India Bank Employees’ Association General Secretary C H Venkatachalam said, “we have also decided to go on an indefinite strike from October 26 if our demands fall on deaf ears of the government and bank management.”
The unions are demanding declaration of all Saturdays as holidays, a key point that was reportedly agreed upon during the 12th Bipartite Settlement signed with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in March 2024, but is awaiting government notification.
Currently, banks remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of a month.
The other residual demands, including updation and improvement of pension, a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), also remain unresolved.
