Banking services across India are set to be significantly impacted on September 11 as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) calls for a nationwide strike. Union Bank of India, among others, will participate in the industrial action, which aims to pressure authorities on several long-standing demands.
Key Demands Driving the Strike
The UFBU, an umbrella organization representing nine bank employee and officer unions, has cited a persistent delay in implementing a five-day banking week as a primary reason for the strike. This proposal, which would see working hours increased by 40 minutes from Monday to Friday, was reportedly agreed upon by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) as part of the 12th Bipartite Settlement/9th Joint Note signed in March 2024. However, despite being recommended to the government, it has remained pending for over two years.
In addition to the five-day banking week, unions are also protesting discrepancies related to the performance-linked incentive scheme and various other pending demands, including crucial pension-related issues affecting bank employees.
Potential for Extended Disruption
The chosen date for the strike, September 11, falls on a Friday, which could lead to a four-day disruption of banking services in many parts of the country. This is because the following two days are standard bank holidays (Saturday and Sunday). The full extent of the impact will depend on the level of participation across public sector banks.
Further Industrial Action Threatened
The UFBU has indicated that the September 11 strike may not be an isolated incident. The forum has also threatened a subsequent three-day nationwide strike beginning September 28. Should their demands remain unmet, the unions have stated their intention to escalate their protest to an indefinite strike starting October 26, signaling a determined stance on their issues.