Centre Calls on Bank Employees’ Unions

The Union Finance Ministry has urged bank employees to refrain from striking and resolve their pending demands through dialogue. The United Forum of Bank Unions has called a three day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, seeking the implementation of a five day banking week and other demands. The ministry said the government had already kept the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in abeyance, addressing one of the unions’ two principal demands. The remaining demand for a five day workweek is still under consideration.

The government warned that the proposed strike, combined with the preceding weekend, could disrupt banking services for five consecutive days. It also noted that the strike coincides with the half yearly closing of banks on September 30, potentially affecting customers, businesses and government transactions. The Finance Ministry has asked public sector bank chiefs to take necessary contingency measures to minimise disruption and maintain essential services.