Bank customers across Bihar are likely to face disruption in branch-based services as bank unions have called a nationwide strike on September 11, followed immediately by the regular Saturday and Sunday holidays.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has announced the strike after discussions with bank management and the finance ministry failed to reach an agreement on the unions’ demands.
The combination of the strike and the weekend holidays will keep bank branches closed for three consecutive days, from September 11 to September 13.
Rs 50,000 Crore Banking Activity Could Be Affected
According to the report, the disruption could affect financial transactions worth around Rs 50,000 crore in Bihar.
Around 7,760 bank branches across the state are expected to be affected during the strike and subsequent holidays.
India Bank Officers Association national secretary D.N. Trivedi said around eight lakh bank officers and employees across the country are participating in the agitation.
What Are Bank Unions Demanding?
The unions are seeking the introduction of five-day banking, replacing the existing weekly working arrangement.
They have also demanded a uniform Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) system for bank officers, along with the immediate withdrawal of proposed foreign ownership-related changes concerning IDBI Bank.
Another key demand is the resolution of the long-pending issue of pension updation for bank employees.
The unions have announced another nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30. They have also warned that an indefinite strike could be considered from the end of October if their demands remain unresolved.
Digital Banking Services Expected To Continue
The strike is primarily expected to affect physical branch operations. UPI, internet banking and mobile banking services are expected to remain available, allowing customers to make digital payments and carry out several routine transactions remotely.
However, services that require a visit to a bank branch are likely to remain unavailable during the closure.
ATMs May Face Cash Replenishment Issues
ATMs are expected to continue operating, but some locations could face cash shortages if regular replenishment is affected by the closure of bank branches.
Customers who need cash for essential transactions may therefore consider making arrangements before the strike begins.
Cheque Clearing And Counter Services Affected
Branch-dependent services such as cash deposits and withdrawals, demand drafts and cheque-related transactions are expected to be affected.
Customers with urgent cheque-related work or other transactions requiring physical bank counters should complete them before September 11 or check with their respective banks about processing timelines.
Normal branch operations are expected to resume after the three-day period covering the September 11 strike and the September 12-13 weekend holidays.
