Banking services across India are expected to be affected on Friday as bank employee unions begin a nationwide one-day strike demanding the implementation of a five-day working week and resolution of other pending issues.
The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which represents several bank employee and officer unions. The impact is expected to be particularly significant at public sector bank branches.
The unions have been demanding that all Saturdays be declared holidays, effectively introducing a Monday-to-Friday working week. The proposal was included in the March 2024 agreement between the Indian Banks’ Association and bank unions, under which employees would work additional hours from Monday to Friday. The proposal has been awaiting approval from the Finance Ministry, according to the unions.
The unions are also seeking changes to the performance-linked incentive (PLI) system and resolution of other pending issues relating to employees and officers.
Customers are likely to face disruptions in branch-based services such as cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque processing, KYC-related work, loan-related services and other transactions requiring physical interaction. Digital services including UPI, internet and mobile banking, as well as ATMs, are expected to remain available.
The strike is the first in a series of industrial actions announced by the unions. Another nationwide strike has been called for September 28-30, while the unions have warned of an indefinite strike from October 26 if their demands remain unresolved.
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