Bankers stage nationwide protests, demand 5-day work week and recruitment

Chandigarh/Border News,Service

Thousands of bank employees today (14 February) demonstrated in front of regional, zonal and head offices of various banks across the country. Organised under the banner of United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in Chandigarh, around 500 bank employees from the Tri City participated in the protest, highlighting key demands aimed at improving both customer service and employee welfare.

One of the main demands of the unions is the introduction of a 5-day work week in the banking industry. Mr. Sanjay Sharma Convener UFBU Tri City Chandigarh Unit informed that during the bilateral agreement and joint note of March 2024, the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and the unions reached an agreement to implement the 5-day week, and a formal recommendation was sent to the government for approval. However, almost a year has passed and the government is yet to notify this change. A UFBU spokesperson said, “24×7 digital banking services are already available and most government and corporate offices work five days a week, so this should be implemented in the banking sector with immediate effect. This will only lead to an increase in customer service and productivity.”

Another important issue raised by the unions is the need for permanent recruitment in all cadres. The union leaders emphasised that a strong workforce not only ensures better customer service but also reduces work pressure on existing employees, ultimately improving the quality of banking operations. They also highlighted several other concerns, including the urgent need to address the increasing workload in branches due to shortage of staff, ensuring fair and transparent policies with regard to promotions, transfers and employee welfare, and opposing unfair labour practices and any attempt at further privatisation in the banking sector. Today’s protest is part of a broader agitation programme, which includes a dharna in Delhi on 03 March 2025 and a two-day nationwide strike on 24 and 25 March 2025. The union leaders said that they will intensify their protests in the coming weeks if their demands are not heeded.