bank strike
Bank employees’ unions have announced a nationwide strike on January 27, due to which banking services may be severely affected next week. However, it is not completely confirmed yet whether all the banks across the country will remain closed on that day or not. If the strike happens, it will be the fourth consecutive day that banks will remain closed, because before that there is a weekend and a holiday of January 26 (Republic Day).
Many big banks have already informed customers that if there is a strike, services will be affected. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) had given strike notice earlier this month. Meetings were also held on this issue with the Chief Labor Commissioner, which included representatives of the Finance Ministry, Banks and IBA, but no solution could be found. After this the unions decided to go on strike on 27 January.
Why are bank employees on strike?
At present, bank employees get leave on the second and fourth Saturday and all Sundays every month. The employees are demanding that all Saturdays of the month be declared holidays. This was also agreed upon during the salary agreement in March 2024, but it has not been implemented yet. The unions say that they are ready to work 40 minutes extra every day from Monday to Friday, so that the working hours can be completed, yet the government is not paying attention to their demand.
What should customers do?
The strike is proposed from 12 midnight on 26 January to 12 midnight on 27 January. Many banks including SBI have advised customers to use digital banking, mobile apps, internet banking and ATM during this period. Customer service points will also remain open if needed. Overall, if there is a strike, it would be better to complete the important work related to going to the bank in advance.