India
oi-Swastika Sruti
The nationwide bank strike scheduled to begin on Monday, September 28, has been postponed following talks between bank unions and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
Banks will operate normally on September 28, as the United Forum of Bank Unions postponed their planned strike after the Indian Banks’ Association agreed to form a committee to examine the demand for a five-day banking week.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) announced the decision on Sunday night after the IBA agreed to form a high-level committee to examine the unions’ long-standing demand for a five-day banking week.
As a result, banks will operate normally on September 28. The proposed three-day strike from September 28 to 30 has also been deferred.
Why Bank Unions Called The Strike
The UFBU had planned the strike mainly to demand that all Saturdays be declared holidays for bank employees. At present, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, while they generally operate on the first, third and fifth Saturdays.
Bank unions have argued that employees work long hours and that the demand for a five-day working week has remained unresolved for more than two years.
The proposed strike was also scheduled during the half-yearly closing period for banks, which could have affected banking operations across the country.
IBA To Set Up High-Level Committee
Following the discussions, the IBA agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the five-day work week demand.
The committee will consider different options for making the remaining Saturdays holidays and will also consult stakeholders, including bank customers, before arriving at a view.
However, the talks have not resulted in an immediate decision to introduce a five-day banking week.
The UFBU circular also does not specify any deadline for the committee to complete its examination.
No New Strike Date Announced
The UFBU has deferred the September 28-30 strike as well as other planned agitation programmes.
However, there is currently no new date for a nationwide bank strike.
The development means customers can expect normal banking operations on September 28, subject to regular bank holidays and individual branch schedules.
