New Delhi buzzed with tension on Tuesday as public sector bank employees across India launched a nationwide strike demanding a five-day workweek. Organized by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), this action involves nine major unions representing officers and staff from key government-owned banks. The decision came after fruitless talks with the Chief Labour Commissioner on January 23, leaving banking operations in limbo.
Customers faced disruptions in cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and routine transactions at giants like State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda. Private players such as HDFC, ICICI, and Axis banks continued normal service, unaffected by the unrest.
From Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow to Gujarat’s Vadodra, Patna, Ranchi, Chhattisgarh, and beyond, employees hit the streets. Anshika Singh Visen from Indian Bank in Lucknow voiced frustration: ‘We agreed on a bilateral pact for five-day banking—Monday to Friday work, weekends off. But it’s ignored while other demands are met.’ She highlighted the disparity, noting RBI, LIC, state, and central governments enjoy weekends off, yet bankers grapple with mounting pressure eroding work-life balance.
‘We deliver government schemes to villages and farmers,’ Visen added. ‘We deserve this for our families and well-being.’ In Vadodra, UFBU Joint Secretary Sanjay Jha echoed calls for immediate five-day implementation, citing repeated ignored memorandums.
Patna’s Ritika from PNB reported hundreds protesting: ‘Work stress causes mental health issues. Our role in schemes justifies this demand. If unmet, protests will intensify.’ Raipur saw 25,000 employees from 2,500 branches rally, with All India Punjab National Bank Chairman Milind Marte stressing the 2015-pending demand. A protester noted over 800,000 participants nationwide, pointing to precedents in other institutions.
West Bengal’s Cooch Behar witnessed demos outside SBI branches. Customers endured long queues and service halts, underscoring the strike’s broad impact. As unions stand firm, the government faces pressure to address these long-standing grievances for smoother banking ahead.