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Banking strike: uncertainty over bank operations on Sunday due to disagreements between authorities and unions
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Aaj Tak
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Banking strike: uncertainty over bank operations on Sunday due to disagreements between authorities and unions

Bank employees have announced a nationwide strike that will last for three days, starting from September 28th until September 30th. Since this strike begins after the weekend, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government recommended that bank branches remain open on Sunday.

However, one of the banking officials' associations urged its members not to come to work on Sunday. This situation has caused confusion among customers regarding whether banks will be open or closed on Sunday.

In fact, banking unions, including the Union Forum (UFBU) and seven other unions, proposed a three-day national strike from September 28th to September 30th. This is the second such action following a one-day strike held on September 11th.

The decision for banks to operate on Sunday was made by the government following a meeting on September 21st between the Finance Minister and heads of public sector executive bodies, regional rural banks, the Indian Banking Association (IBA), and NABARD. This step was taken to minimize prolonged disruptions in banking services, as the planned strike dates fall on September 26th and 27th, immediately after the weekend.

If Sunday is also declared a holiday, customers will face a lack of access to regular banking services for five days.

The RBI approved the opening of bank branches, offices, ATM kiosks, and currency counters on September 27th. Nevertheless, uncertainty remains as the All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA) advised its members not to work on Sunday, claiming that September 27th is a holiday according to the Industrial Disputes Act.

Meanwhile, UFBU confirmed that the proposed three-day strike from September 28th to September 30th will proceed. The main reason for this strike is the demand for a five-day banking week. Other demands include changes related to pension provisions, as well as an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and adjustments to pension plans for some employees.

For customers, the operation of branches on Sunday may depend on whether employees are present for duty. Digital banking services, ATMs, and other services are expected to be available. Customers who need to visit a branch can do so in advance, especially considering the upcoming strike immediately after the weekend.

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Bank Employee Strike Across the Country: Demands Include a Five-Day Work Week
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www.aajtak.in

Bank Employee Strike Across the Country: Demands Include a Five-Day Work Week

Due to the upcoming strike by bank employees, branches in many regions may temporarily close, which could cause difficulties for clients who need to conduct transactions requiring an in-person visit to a branch. However, a complete cessation of banking services is not expected; digital services, ATMs, and other online options will remain available.

The United Federation of Banking Unions (UFBU) announced a nationwide strike scheduled for September 11th. The unions initiated this protest to advocate for several of their demands, which may affect standard operations at bank branches. Following the strike, there will be holidays on September 12th (Saturday) and September 13th (Sunday). Furthermore, in some states, banks will be closed on Monday and Tuesday due to the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, meaning clients may have to wait longer to complete branch-related operations.

Key demands of the banking unions include the implementation of a '5-day banking week' system. They also insist on a review of the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. The unions assert that the government's promise of a five-day work week from Monday to Friday and the introduction of weekends on Saturday and Sunday must be fulfilled. UFBU decided on the strike in support of these demands. UFBU comprises seven banking unions: AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBOC, and INBEF, representing over 90 percent of the banking sector's workforce.

No, all banking conveniences will not cease during the strike. Banks have taken measures to ensure the continuity of essential services. Nevertheless, many operations conducted directly at branches may be affected. Specifically, delays may occur when depositing or withdrawing cash, as well as when performing other offline operations.

State Bank of India (SBI) issued a notification to customers via the social media platform X. The bank stated that necessary measures have been taken to ensure the normal operation of branches and offices during the strike. Despite this, the planned strike on September 11th may lead to disruptions in banking operations. SBI advised customers to carry out urgent banking transactions through internet or digital banking systems.

If you require cash, in case of bank branch closures, you can use ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs). SBI also recommended using Customer Service Points (CSPs) to access available banking services. Additionally, many important operations can be performed through internet banking, YONO, mobile banking, UPI, and other digital channels. Thus, if your task can be completed online, there is no need to wait for the bank branch to open. Functions such as UPI payments, mobile banking, internet banking, and ATMs remain accessible.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) also issued a warning to customers regarding the September 11th strike. The bank advised using digital banking services for necessary transactions. According to PNB, customers can utilize features such as UPI Payments, mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, and ADWMs.

As of now, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and some other banks have not issued separate statements regarding this strike. Therefore, customers are advised to monitor updates published by their respective banks. If your account is held with these banks and you need to visit a branch for an urgent task, you should check the situation beforehand on the bank's website, app, or other official channels.

Following the September 11th strike are the holidays of September 12th (Saturday) and September 13th (Sunday). Subsequently, banks may be closed in some states on September 14th and 15th due to the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, although holiday conditions may vary depending on the state. Consequently, if you need to deposit or withdraw cash, or perform an operation that can only be done at a branch, you may have to wait several days.

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