1 hr ago
Banks Prepare for Three-Day Strike Amid Five-Day Week Dispute
Bank employees plan to stop working for three days starting September 28.
They want banks to operate five days a week instead of having more working days.
They also have unresolved concerns about wages, pensions, and performance-based pay.
The finance ministry asked the employees not to strike because the action overlaps with the banks’ half-yearly closing.
Banks are preparing by adding cash to ATMs and assigning more workers where possible.
Customers may still use mobile banking, internet banking, UPI, ATMs, and automated machines.
Some branches could have fewer services or close temporarily if employees join the strike.
Loan processing and other tasks that need staff at a branch may be affected most.
The unions say they could begin an indefinite strike on October 26 if their demands are not resolved.
Bank employee unions have called a three-day strike from September 28 during banks’ half-yearly closing period.
The finance ministry has asked public-sector banks to prepare for disruptions and urged employees to cancel the strike.
State-run lenders are encouraging customers to complete important transactions early and use ATMs and digital banking services.
Branch operations and physical services may vary by location, with loan processing expected to face the greatest disruption.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has threatened an indefinite strike from October 26 if its demands remain unresolved.
- Who
- The United Forum of Bank Unions, bank employees, the finance ministry, and public-sector banks.
- What
- A three-day bank employees’ strike has been called over demands including a five-day banking week.
- Where
- At public-sector bank branches and other banking service locations; the impact may vary by location.
- When
- The strike is scheduled for September 28-30, with an indefinite strike announced from October 26 if demands remain unresolved.
- Why
- Unions are seeking a five-day banking week and progress on wage, pension, and performance-linked incentive issues.
Bank Unions
Government and Banks
Five-day banking week
Bank Unions
The United Forum of Bank Unions is demanding implementation of a five-day banking week.
Government and Banks
The finance ministry has urged employees to call off the strike, citing possible disruption during the half-yearly closing period.
Strike impact
Bank Unions
The unions are proceeding with the strike and have announced an indefinite stoppage from October 26 if their demands remain unresolved.
Government and Banks
Banks say essential services will continue through ATMs and digital channels, while preparing branches with additional manpower and cash.
Unresolved employee issues
Bank Unions
The unions say issues involving wages, pensions, and the performance-linked incentive scheme remain pending.
Government and Banks
The ministry says it has kept the performance-linked incentive scheme in abeyance and has also cited salary, welfare-fund, executive-post, promotion, and transfer measures.
Key facts
- Strike dates
- September 28-30
- Possible indefinite strike
- From October 26 if union demands remain unresolved
- Main demand
- Implementation of a five-day banking week
- Other union concerns
- Wages, pensions, and the performance-linked incentive scheme
- Most affected service
- Loan processing and other physical, branch-based activities
- Digital alternatives
- ATMs, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI, automated machines, and customer service points
- Government position
- The finance ministry says it has addressed one principal demand by keeping the performance-linked incentive scheme in abeyance.
Quotes
A branch manager of a large public sector bank
An unnamed branch manager commenting on likely customer disruption during the strike
“Nowadays, customers have access to Internet banking, UPI, and ATMs, so they may not face much inconvenience.”
rediff.com
“The main issue could be with loan processing”
rediff.com
Sources
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