Bank strike for 5-day work week hits operations

Banking operations, especially those accessed through branches, on Tuesday were impacted as public sector bank employees and officers across the country went on a one-day strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) demanding the government implement five-day work week.

Besides amplifying the demand, the strike called by the umbrella body of nine bank employees and officers unions also helped put up a show of solidarity. A meeting of the UFBU is slated next month to chalk out the next course, a constituent bank employees union leader in Hyderabad said, declaring the strike as total.

Employees of regional rural banks, besides those of public sector banks, actively participated in the protest. Bank branches, however, remained open as the government had instructed managements accordingly and requisition police assistance if need be, he said, pointing out in some banks officers above the rank of Chief Managers were not part of the unions.

For customers, the strike meant bank branches closed for four days since January 24 — fourth Saturday, Sunday and Republic Day. On account of the strike, cash deposits as well as withdrawals, cheque clearances and various work, from routine enquiries to those related to loans, were not available. But, the availability of alternative channels such as Internet banking, ATMs helped.

Terming the strike as a total success all over the country, All India Bank Employees Association General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam said the strike was forced on the bank employees and officers as the government was not approving the five-day week despite the Indian Banks’ Association and UFBU signing MoU and agreement on the same in December 2023.