New Delhi: Government bank employees across the country are staging a strike on Tuesday demanding a five-day workweek, which may disrupt banking operations. Private banks, however, are expected to continue functioning normally as their staff are not participating in the strike.
Several government banks have already informed stock exchanges about the possible impact of the strike on their services. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), a joint platform representing nine bank unions including officers and staff of government banks, has called for this nationwide strike. This decision was taken after a meeting with the Chief Labour Commissioner on January 23 failed to yield any resolution.
The strike involves major public sector banks such as the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda. Due to the strike, routine banking activities like cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearances, and other daily operations may face delays or interruptions.
Digital banking services like UPI payments and internet banking are expected to function normally, although cash availability at some ATMs might be slightly affected in certain areas. Private sector banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank will operate as usual since their employees are not part of the strike.
SBI has issued an official statement noting that while arrangements have been made to maintain normal operations, the participation of employees in the strike could impact services. The bank added it will make efforts to keep branches and offices running smoothly on the strike day, but some services may still be affected.
The primary demand of the bank unions is to declare every Saturday as a holiday. This proposal was included in the 12th bipartite settlement in March 2024, but the government has yet to issue an official notification on the matter.
Leave a Comment