Patna: Bank employees across India are on strike today, with demonstrations reported at the R Block campus in Patna, as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) demands the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek. The strike has led to partial or complete closure of many bank branches, leaving customers struggling to access cash and essential services.
The UFBU, an umbrella body representing unions from public sector banks and some older private banks, called the one-day strike following a meeting with government officials on January 23. Union leaders say the protest is necessary because the government has delayed implementing a March 2024 agreement granting all Saturdays as holidays. Employees have emphasised they are willing to work extended hours from Monday to Friday, but insist that Saturday closures be honoured.
The strike has caused significant disruption for customers, with cash deposits, withdrawals, and cheque clearances halted at major public sector banks including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda. Many ATMs in the region have also gone offline, exacerbating cash shortages. Online banking services remain operational, providing limited relief.
Private banks, including HDFC, ICICI, and Axis Bank, are reported to be operating normally, and their branches remain open.
“The government is not paying attention to our legitimate demands, leaving us with no option but to resort to a strike,” a UFBU spokesperson said. “Our aim is not to disrupt services unnecessarily, but to ensure that the March 2024 agreement is implemented without further delay.”
