Bank customers face another round of service disruption later this month as banking unions prepare for a three-day strike from September 28 to 30. The action follows the ongoing nationwide strike on September 11 and comes amid demands for a five-day workweek, pension reforms and other pending issues.
At A Glance
- The ongoing nationwide bank strike has disrupted branch operations, especially at public sector banks.
- Banking unions have announced another three-day strike from September 28 to 30 over the five-day workweek and other demands.
- The September-end disruption could intensify as September 26 and 27 are already scheduled bank holidays.
Banking operations across India faced disruption on Friday as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) led a nationwide strike, with public sector banks bearing much of the impact. The unions have already announced another three-day strike later this month, raising the prospect of extended disruption for customers.
The September 28-30 action could create a longer interruption because it will come immediately after a scheduled weekend closure. Bank branches are due to remain closed on September 26, the fourth Saturday, and September 27, Sunday.
Ongoing Nationwide Strike Disrupts Banking Services
The current strike has affected banking services at several locations across the country. Public sector bank branches have seen closures or restricted operations as officers and employees joined the protest.
Customers have reported disruption to routine branch-based services, including cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque-related work and administrative transactions.
The impact has not been uniform across all banks. Some older private sector banks have also reported disruptions.
Digital banking channels, however, have continued to provide services. UPI transactions and internet banking remain available, although customers may face differences depending on the bank and the availability of technical systems.
The UFBU represents seven banking unions and around 90 per cent of bank officers and employees.
Unions Announce Another Three-Day Strike
The unions had announced in August that another strike would take place from September 28 to 30.
That planned action now assumes greater significance as the banking sector is already witnessing disruption from the ongoing September 11 strike.
The unions say the latest protests reflect the lack of progress on their demands. Bank employee association leaders have maintained that the strike became necessary after discussions failed to deliver a positive outcome and the government did not agree to their demands.
The five-day workweek remains one of the central issues.
Five-Day Workweek at the Centre of Protest
The unions want Saturdays to be declared holidays for bank employees. They argue that the proposal was already agreed upon in the 12th Bipartite Settlement signed with the Indian Banks’ Association in March 2024.
However, the unions say the agreement has not yet received the required government notification.
Banks currently operate on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of each month. The unions want this arrangement changed so that employees work five days a week.
The demand has remained a major point of contention between bank unions and the authorities.
Pension Reforms Also Among Key Demands
The unions are also pressing for changes to pension-related benefits.
Their demands include improved pension benefits and a uniform formula for calculating dearness allowance for all pensioners.
Employees covered by the National Pension System are also seeking an option to shift to the Old Pension Scheme.
These issues form part of the wider set of demands behind the union’s industrial action.
September-End Disruption Could Be More Severe
The timing of the second strike could create a particularly difficult period for bank customers.
Branches are already scheduled to remain closed on September 26 and 27 because of the fourth Saturday and Sunday. The three-day strike would then begin on September 28 and continue through September 30.
This could result in several consecutive days of limited or unavailable physical banking services.
Customers who require branch-based services may therefore need to complete essential transactions before the scheduled closures and strike.
Digital Services May Continue
The closure of bank branches does not necessarily mean that all banking channels will stop functioning.
ATMs and digital services may continue during the strike period, depending on individual banks. Their availability will also depend on cash levels and the functioning of technical infrastructure.
Customers can continue to use available digital channels for transactions where possible. However, services that require physical branch intervention may not be accessible during the strike.
Banks had already advised customers about the possible impact of the September 11 strike. Similar disruptions could occur during the three-day action at the end of the month.
With another strike scheduled from September 28 to 30, customers may need to plan cash requirements and other essential branch transactions in advance. The coming weeks could therefore bring repeated pressure on physical banking operations as unions continue to push for resolution of their demands. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)