Banking services, particularly at public sector banks, are likely to be affected across India on Friday as bank employees’ unions observe a demanding a five-day working week and resolution of other pending issues.
The strike could disrupt services such as cash deposits and withdrawals at bank branches. Since September 11 falls on a Friday and the following two days are bank holidays, the disruption could extend to four days in many parts of the country. September 14 is also a bank holiday in some states on account of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Most public sector banks have alerted customers about the likely impact on services.
The State Bank of India (SBI), in an advisory, said it had made arrangements to ensure normal functioning of branches and offices but warned that work could be affected due to the strike.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body of seven bank employees’ and officers’ unions, has also threatened another three-day nationwide strike from September 28, coinciding with the half-yearly closure.
The unions have been demanding a five-day working week for a long time. The issue remained unresolved even after conciliation meetings before the Chief Labour Commissioner.
All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC) general secretary Rupam Roy said the unions were forced to launch the agitation because the government and bank management had failed to provide a commitment on five-day banking.
National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE) general secretary L Chandrasekhar said a five-day working week is already followed by central and state government offices, the Reserve Bank of India, LIC, GIC and NABARD, among other institutions.
He also pointed out that the stock market, money market and foreign exchange market operate on a five-day basis.
The unions are also seeking the updation and improvement of pensions, a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the old pension scheme (OPS).
In a circular dated August 23, the UFBU announced a phased agitation programme, beginning with an all-India strike on September 11, followed by a three-day nationwide strike on September 28, 29 and 30. The unions have also warned of an indefinite strike from October 26 if their demands remain unresolved.