Banks will remain closed from January 24 to 27, which is likely to cause inconvenience to customers. The Bank Union has announced a nationwide strike on January 27 to press for a five-day banking week. Prior to the strike, banks will be closed on January 24 (Fourth Saturday), January 25 (Sunday), and January 26 (Republic Day).
Demands For Disinvestment Ban And Pension Updates
DN Trivedi, National Secretary of the All India Bank Officers Association, stated that in addition to the five-day banking week, the agitation includes demands for a ban on the disinvestment of IDBI, Gramin Banks, and Life Insurance. The unions are also demanding regulated office hours and pension updation in banks.
Talks Remain Inconclusive
Talks held on Monday before the Central Labour Commissioner in New Delhi remained inconclusive, and the next round of negotiations is scheduled for January 8 at the Finance Ministry. Manoranjanam, District Convener of the United Forum of Bank Unions, stated that all public sector, cooperative, private, and rural banks across the country will observe a one-day strike on January 27 in support of the demand for a five-day banking week.
Claims Of Discrimination Regarding Saturdays
The unions pointed out that offices of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), insurance companies, NABARD, the stock market, and the central government observe holidays on every Saturday. In contrast, banks are only given holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays, which the unions argue is discriminatory.
Also Read: Rishikesh To Neelkanth In 15 Minutes: National Wildlife Board Approves Rs 450 Crore Ropeway Project