Agartala : The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced a two-day nationwide bank strike including in Tripura on March 24 and March 25, 2025, to press for long-pending demands, including the implementation of a five-day workweek, adequate recruitment in public sector banks (PSBs), and an end to unfair labor practices.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Wednesday, Sanjoy Dutta the convenor of UFBU revealed this information.
Dutta warned, with banking employees and officers growing increasingly frustrated over government inaction, unless their demands are met, further agitation will follow after the March 24-25 Bank Strike.
I Watch video of Dutta’s Press briefing I
Bank Strike: Key Demands
1. No Income Tax Recovery on Welfare Benefits
The UFBU has demanded that income tax should not be recovered on welfare benefits provided to bank employees during the tenure of concessions. The unions argue that the burden of such taxation must be borne by the management, ensuring that employee benefits are not eroded.
2. End to Outsourcing of Permanent Jobs in Banks
The rising trend of outsourcing permanent positions in banks has been a major concern. The unions insist that such practices undermine job security, reduce service quality, and violate labor rights. They demand an immediate halt to outsourcing and contractual employment for positions that are essential for banking operations.
3. Need for Adequate Recruitment in Public Sector Banks
Public sector banks serve millions of customers daily and play a vital role in implementing government schemes. However, over the past decade, the number of employees in PSBs has drastically declined, leading to increased workloads, long wait times for customers, and diminished service quality.
In support of the demand and Bank Strike, Dutta said the staffing situation is alarming, as illustrated by the following data:
| Category | 2013 | 2024 | Reduction/Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerks | 398,801 | 246,965 | -151,836 |
| Sub-Staff | 153,628 | 94,348 | -59,280 |
| Total Bank Staff (PSBs) | 886,490 | 746,679 | -139,811 |
| Private Sector Bank Staff | 229,124 | 846,530 | +617,406 |
The severe staff shortages in PSBs contrast sharply with the massive recruitment drive in private banks, which have increased their workforce by over 600,000 employees in the same period.
Union leaders argue that without sufficient staffing, public banks cannot function efficiently, and both employees and customers bear the brunt of the shortfall. They urge the government to immediately recruit adequate staff to improve service quality and reduce employee burnout.
4. Implementation of a Five-Day Workweek in Banks
Bank employees are demanding a five-day workweek, in line with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), insurance companies, central government offices, and private sector corporations. The proposal was recommended by Indian banks over a year ago, yet it remains pending with the government.
Union leaders argue that bank employees deserve the same work-life balance as their counterparts in other financial sectors and call for the immediate implementation of the five-day workweek.
5. Withdrawal of Unilateral Government Directives and Unfair Practices
The UFBU has strongly opposed recent government-imposed policies, such as:
- Unilateral performance reviews without consulting employee unions.
- Unilateral changes in incentive schemes without negotiations.
- Micromanagement of PSBs by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), which is affecting bank autonomy.
- Lack of safety measures for bank officers, especially in the face of growing public dissatisfaction.
6. Other Key Demands
- Filling vacant posts for staff and officer directors in PSBs—positions that have remained unfilled for the past 10 years.
- Resolution of pending disputes with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
- Amendment of the Gratuity Act to increase the maximum gratuity limit to ₹25 lakh, similar to government employees, with income tax exemptions.
- Stopping government equity capital infusion in IDBI Bank, which is seen as affecting employee service conditions and violating bilateral agreements.
Nationwide Bank Strike: March 24–25
With the government failing to address these pressing issues, the United Forum of Bank Unions has decided to go on a two-day Bank strike from midnight on March 23 to midnight on March 25, 2025.
Union leaders have appealed for public support, emphasizing that this strike is not just about bank employees but about the future of the banking industry and job security for young aspirants.
“We are fighting for better banking services, fair employment, and a robust financial system. The government must address these concerns before the situation worsens,” Sanjoy Dutta said.
As the Bank strike looms, customers are advised to complete their banking transactions in advance, as disruptions in banking services are expected nationwide.
