1 hr ago
Banks Open Sunday Before Deferred Three-Day Nationwide Strike
Banks usually do not open for normal business on Sundays.
This Sunday, many branches opened because workers were planning a three-day strike.
The strike was mainly about asking for a five-day workweek.
Bank unions and the Indian Banks’ Association later agreed to delay the strike.
Many people visited the banks to get cash or make deposits before possible closures.
Some older customers preferred cash because they did not use cards or online banking.
Businesses also needed money to pay suppliers and other bills.
Customers could make basic transactions, but new accounts would take longer to activate.
Banks across India opened on Sunday to help customers before a proposed three-day strike.
The United Forum of Bank Unions called the strike mainly to demand a five-day banking week.
The strike was deferred after late-night talks between the unions and the Indian Banks’ Association.
Customers, including senior citizens and business owners, withdrew or deposited cash for upcoming payments.
Sunday branches handled deposits and withdrawals, while new-account applications would not become operational before October 1.
- Who
- Banks, their customers, the United Forum of Bank Unions, and the Indian Banks’ Association.
- What
- Banks opened on Sunday ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike, which was later deferred.
- Where
- Bank branches across India, including branches in Jadavpur, Ballygunge, and Posta.
- When
- On Sunday, before the proposed strike; new accounts would not become operational before October 1.
- Why
- Banks opened to help customers complete transactions before the proposed strike, while the unions sought a five-day banking week.
Bank Unions’ Position
Customers’ Concerns
Five-day banking week
Bank Unions’ Position
The United Forum of Bank Unions called the strike primarily to press for a five-day banking week.
Customers’ Concerns
Customers needed access to banks before the proposed closures, particularly for cash withdrawals, deposits, salaries, and business payments.
Timing of the strike
Bank Unions’ Position
The proposed action was scheduled before the unions and the Indian Banks’ Association reached an understanding that deferred it.
Customers’ Concerns
Some customers, including senior citizens, said a strike during the festive week should have been avoided or held after the festive season.
Key facts
- Proposed strike
- A three-day nationwide bank strike
- Strike organizer
- United Forum of Bank Unions
- Main demand
- A five-day banking week
- Strike status
- Deferred after talks with the Indian Banks’ Association
- Sunday services
- Deposits and withdrawals were available; new accounts could be applied for but not activated immediately
- Reported cash deposit
- A vegetable dealer deposited around ₹2 lakh to pay a supplier
- Reported withdrawal
- An 85-year-old customer withdrew ₹20,000 to pay her domestic help
Quotes
Unnamed retired central government employee
A retired central government employee and customer at a nationalised bank in Jadavpur.
“If someone wants to open an account, they can submit their Aadhaar and PAN cards. The application would be processed, but the new account would not be operational before October 1.”
telegraphindia.com
“This is the first time I am visiting a bank on a Sunday. I avoid online or card transactions. I have to buy new clothes for my grandchildren, so I came to withdraw cash.”
telegraphindia.com
Uma Mahajan
An 85-year-old customer who visited a PSU bank in Ballygunge.
“They are just going with the trend. In most offices, there is a five-day workweek, and they also have families. They should have avoided the coming week as it is the festive week. They could have done it after the festive season.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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