Banking services hit as unions strike for five-day workweek

Banking services, particularly at , were affected across India on Friday after the (UFBU) called a nationwide strike seeking the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek and resolution of pending wage-related issues.

The UFBU represents seven unions and around 90% of bank officers and employees. The strike did not affect private sector banks.

Most branches of public sector banks were fully or partially closed as employees and officers joined the protest. Cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances and administrative work were affected at several branches. Some old-generation private sector banks also reported disruptions.

, including and internet banking, continued to function.

“Since there was no positive outcome and the government did not agree to our demand, this strike is forced on us. Bank employees and officers are highly aggrieved that they alone are being discriminated against,” All India Bank Employees Association general secretary C H Venkatachalam told PTI.

Most public sector banks had alerted customers about the possible impact. said it had made arrangements for normal operations but warned that work could still be affected.

The unions are demanding that all Saturdays be declared holidays. The proposal was reportedly agreed upon in the 12th Bipartite Settlement signed with the Indian Banks’ Association in March 2024, but is yet to receive government notification.

Banks currently remain open on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of each month.

The unions are also seeking improvements in pension benefits, a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the to shift to the .