Bank employee unions staged a significant protest in Raipur on Monday, intensifying their long-standing demand for a five-day work week across the banking sector. The demonstration, organized under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), saw nearly 200 participants gather to voice their frustration and renew their call for action.
Dharna in Raipur Signals Rising Tensions
The day-long dharna served as a powerful show of strength and a clear warning to banking authorities. Union leaders from various constituent organizations addressed an energetic crowd, where slogans demanding "five-day banking now" resonated from the early morning. Senior UFBU leaders, including Y Gopal Krishna, Sirish Nalgondwar, and Baljeet Singh, were prominent speakers at the event. The unions described the turnout as both encouraging and a testament to the widespread support for the cause among bank employees.
Core Grievance: Delayed Implementation of Agreement
The central point of contention is the alleged delay by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) in honoring a part of the March 2024 wage settlement. According to the unions, this agreement included a provision to declare the two remaining Saturdays in a month as holidays, effectively formalizing a five-day banking week. Union leaders accused the IBA of stalling on this commitment, forcing them to return to protest. Leaders from the cooperative banking sector also joined the dharna, extending their solidarity to the movement.
Nationwide Strike Looming on January 27
The Raipur protest is not an isolated event but a precursor to larger industrial action. The UFBU has already called for a nationwide bank strike on January 27 to press for the introduction of the five-day week across all banks. Union representatives stated that preparations for this major strike will intensify in the coming weeks, mobilizing members across the country. This planned strike underscores the seriousness of the unions' demand and sets the stage for a potential major disruption in banking services later this month if a resolution is not reached.
The ongoing dispute highlights a significant friction point between bank employees and management, with the outcome of the January 27 strike threat likely to shape working conditions in the Indian banking sector for the foreseeable future.
