NEW DELHI, Sep 10: Banking operations at several branches across the country could be affected on September 11 as bank employee unions prepare for a nationwide strike over a number of unresolved issues, including the demand for a five-day working week.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called the strike to push for action on the five-day banking week proposal, review of performance-linked incentive (PLI) arrangements and settlement of other pending employee-related matters, including pension issues.
Public sector banks are expected to see the biggest impact if employees participate in the strike. Customers may face difficulties with services that require a visit to a bank branch, while routine digital transactions are expected to remain available through online and mobile banking platforms, ATMs and UPI.
The timing of the strike could lead to a longer interruption in physical banking services. September 11 is a Friday, followed by the Second Saturday and Sunday, which are regular bank holidays. In addition, September 14 is a holiday in some states on account of Ganesh Chaturthi.
The unions have been seeking the introduction of a five-day banking week, citing changes in the way customers access banking services and the growing use of digital platforms. They have also raised concerns over performance-linked incentive structures and several long-standing employee and pension-related matters.
The proposed strike could therefore affect customers who require services such as branch-based deposits, withdrawals, documentation, cheque-related work and other in-person banking facilities.
Customers with important branch transactions planned around the strike and the subsequent holidays may consider completing them beforehand. Digital banking channels are expected to provide an alternative for many routine transactions during the period.
The strike highlights the continuing differences between bank employee unions and the authorities over working arrangements, incentive structures and other service-related issues.
