• Source:JND
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Bank Employee Strike in March: Banks across India are likely to observe a 4-day closure this month as employees are planning a two-day strike, pressing the government over a plethora of demands, including a five-day work week and highlighting concerns about understaffing and government interference.

The protest, convened by the National Confederation of Bank Employees, is scheduled for March 24 and 25, which fall on Monday and Tuesday. Banks will already be closed on March 22 and 23 due to the second Saturday and Sunday holidays.

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The nationwide strike has been announced after a protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday, where bankers made similar demands. 

Dinesh Kumar, State Bank of India Lucknow Division General Secretary and UP State General Secretary, on Monday expressed the vexation of bank employees across the country. He alleged that their demands have been ignored by the government. Kumar said numerous positions were lying vacant across the banks, which has intensified the workload on existing staff. He also made a pitch for a five-day work week, seeking curbs on the government’s intervention in banking affairs.  

Demands Raised By Bank Employees:

Hiring and Job Security:  Ensure adequate recruitment for all job roles and regularise temporary positions for better job stability.

Reduction of Overbearing Supervision:  End the excessive control and micromanagement by the Department of Financial Services (DFS).

Protection for Bank Staff:  Safeguard bank employees from any form of physical or emotional abuse and harassment.

Filling Vacancies:  Quickly fill the vacant positions of workers and office directors in Public Sector Banks.

Resolution of Pending Issues:  Address and resolve unresolved matters with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

Gratuity Act Revision:  Revise the Gratuity Act to increase the gratuity limit to Rs 25 lakh for employees.

Exemption from Tax on Welfare Benefits:  Exempt income tax on employee welfare benefits to improve financial wellbeing.

Concessional Benefits for Employees:  Provide employees and officers with special terms and concessions.

Government Stake in IDBI Bank:  Ensure that the government retains at least a 51% stake in IDBI Bank to maintain its public sector identity.

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The Unions will also serve a memorandum to the Finance Ministry and the DFS. Besides, notices of strike will be served to the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), DFS and the labour commissioner.