India’s banking sector witnessed widespread operational disruptions on Tuesday as employee unions orchestrated a coordinated one-day strike across the nation. The industrial action primarily sought to amplify long-standing demands for implementing a standardized five-day working week within the banking industry.
Financial institutions nationwide proactively communicated with customers regarding anticipated service interruptions, ensuring minimal public inconvenience through maintained operational efficiency of ATMs, digital banking platforms, and mobile banking applications. While physical branch operations experienced suspensions affecting traditional counter services like cash withdrawals and deposits, electronic banking channels remained fully functional throughout the strike duration.
Union representatives emphasized the peaceful nature of their demonstrations. Sanjay Kuthe, General Secretary of the Indian Bank Officers Association for Maharashtra and Goa, confirmed to ANI that the demand for reduced working days has remained unresolved for over two years despite repeated appeals to governmental authorities. ‘We demand the government implement five-day working days for employees in a week—a long-pending matter that has been delayed excessively,’ Kuthe stated.
Echoing these sentiments, Wilbur Anton, General Secretary of the National Confederation for Bank Employees in Maharashtra, characterized the protest as a disciplined demonstration seeking improved working conditions. Banking unions argue that transitioning to a five-day workweek would enhance employee work-life balance while aligning operational standards with other financial sector segments.
The unions have indicated potential escalation of industrial actions should their demands continue to be overlooked by policymakers. This strategic work stoppage highlights ongoing tensions between banking sector employees and administrative bodies regarding labor reforms and working condition enhancements within India’s rapidly modernizing financial ecosystem.