Bank Strike Alert: 4-Day Disruption Expected in February
Public sector banks to strike on Feb 24-25. Key demands include a 5-day workweek, staffing, and policy changes. Plan ahead to avoid banking disruptions.
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Banking services across India are likely to face disruption as public sector banks plan a two-day nationwide strike on February 24 and 25. The strike is being organized by the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), which is pushing for long-pending demands related to work conditions, staffing, and policy changes.
The AIBOC has issued a call for the strike, citing unresolved issues such as the implementation of a five-day workweek, adequate staffing across all levels, and the withdrawal of certain recent directives by the Department of Financial Services (DFS). The union also demands the appointment of workmen and officer directors in public sector banks, as well as the resolution of grievances pending with the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
The primary demands include a five-day workweek, adequate staffing, policy changes, and board autonomy. The proposed strike is set for Monday and Tuesday, February 24 and 25. This follows two consecutive holidays—February 22 (fourth Saturday) and February 23 (Sunday). If the strike proceeds as planned, banking operations will be disrupted for four consecutive days.
The strike is expected to significantly impact banking operations, including cash deposits, withdrawals, loan processing, and other financial services. Customers relying on public sector banks may need to plan their transactions in advance to avoid inconvenience.
The AIBOC has warned that additional agitation measures may follow if their demands are not addressed. Strike notices are expected to be issued later this month, with preparatory activities for the agitation already underway.
While public sector banks are at the forefront of the strike, questions remain about whether private banks will join the agitation.
