Banking Service / Employees' Unions Call for Nationwide Strikes in September as Banking Services Likely to Halt across India

Kolkata, Aug 24: Indian banking customers are likely to face extended service disruptions in September as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced two major strike actions.

Representing nine associations of bank employees and officers, the UFBU plans to halt work first on September 11 and again during a three‑day strike from September 28 to 30.

The impact will be particularly severe at the end of the month. With banks already scheduled to remain closed on September 26 (fourth Saturday) and September 27 (Sunday), the three‑day strike will extend closures for five consecutive days. Similarly, the one‑day strike on September 11 will be followed by weekend holidays on September 12 and 13, disrupting services for three straight days.

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The UFBU has also warned of an indefinite strike beginning October 26 if its demands remain unresolved. In a statement issued Monday, the forum said the strike is primarily to press for a five‑day working week in the banking sector and withdrawal of the performance‑linked incentive (PLI) system.

“All Saturdays and Sundays should be declared holidays for bank employees,” the UFBU said, noting that banks currently close only on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays. The unions have termed the PLI system “discriminatory and contrary to the understanding reached between bank employees’ unions and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).”

Other demands include updating and improving pension benefits, introducing a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners, and settling pending issues related to the next wage revision. The UFBU said its meeting on Sunday unanimously decided to launch protest actions to press these demands.

While branches will remain closed during strike days, ATM and digital banking services may continue depending on cash availability and technical support. Customers have been advised to plan essential transactions in advance.

(IANS)