Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 22: Bank employees plan a nationwide strike from September 28. The Finance Ministry has urged dialogue instead. The action could disrupt banking services for five consecutive days.*
A proposed nationwide bank strike could disrupt services for five days. The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the action. It begins September 28 and coincides with a weekend holiday. The Finance Ministry has urged employees to avoid the strike.
Five-Day Banking Drives Strike Call
UFBU has called a three-day nationwide strike from September 28. Unions are pressing for five-day banking among other demands. The action follows an earlier one-day strike held September 11. That strike occurred despite one major demand being addressed. Because the preceding weekend is a holiday, disruption could extend further.
Finance Ministry Pushes Dialogue
The Finance Ministry has urged bank employees to avoid striking. It said most union concerns had been substantially addressed. One remaining demand continues to be examined, the ministry said. It asked employees to resolve issues through dialogue instead. The ministry also called for uninterrupted banking services for citizens.
Government Highlights Employee Measures
The government cited several welfare measures for bank employees. These include revised pay scales and increased salaries. The Staff Welfare Fund was also highlighted as a measure. Senior executive positions have reportedly increased across several cadres. The Performance Linked Incentive scheme was placed in abeyance this month. That step addressed one of the unions’ two major demands. Negotiations for the next Bipartite Settlement have also begun. The government aims to conclude talks before November 2027.
September 30 Raises Operational Stakes
The proposed strike coincides with banks’ half-yearly closing on September 30. That date involves reconciliation, provisioning and treasury activities. Market operations also depend heavily on that closing period. Combined with the preceding weekend, disruption could span five days.
Banking Services Face Uncertainty
A strike, if it proceeds, could affect customers and businesses. Government transactions could also face delays during this period. International banking operations may experience disruption as well. The ministry said such interruptions could inconvenience the wider public.
Dialogue Remains Central
The Finance Ministry says public sector banks support financial inclusion nationally. It cited their role in digital banking and rural outreach. The government maintains that most employee concerns have been addressed. It has committed to continued engagement on remaining issues. Whether the strike proceeds as planned remains to be seen.
