In view of the proposed three-day strike of bank employees from September 28, state-run banks and some older private banks have advised customers to complete important bank work in advance, so that they do not face any problem. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28. The organization claims to represent 90 percent of the employees in the banking sector. The main demands of the bank employees’ associations include the implementation of a five-day banking week. The government has directed public sector banks to keep their branches open even on Sunday, September 27, to meet the banking needs of customers ahead of the three-day strike.

SBI Advice

State Bank of India (SBI) said in its advisory to customers that the bank will try its best to provide essential services at branches and offices, but some services may be affected during the strike. SBI has asked customers to settle their important banking transactions before the proposed strike dates. The bank has advised to use ATMs and cash deposit-withdrawal machines for cash needs and to use YONO, internet and mobile banking, UPI and other digital means for other banking needs.

These banks also advised

Bank of India, another public sector lender, has asked customers to use 24-hour digital services like mobile banking, ATMs, internet banking, bank correspondent (BC) centers and UPI during the proposed strike on September 28, 29 and 30. Regional rural banks will also participate in this three-day strike. Older private sector bank Karnataka Bank has also advised customers that normal operations of its branches, offices and departments may be affected in the event of a strike. However, the bank has said it will take necessary steps to maintain normal operations. Karnataka Bank said that the possible loss or impact on operations due to the strike cannot be assessed at present.

Private banks will not be affected

At the same time, new private sector banks like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank will continue to function normally. Earlier this week, the finance ministry appealed to bank employees to refrain from going on strike and resolve outstanding demands through negotiations. The ministry said that most of the concerns of bank employee associations have been addressed to a large extent.