Trichy Bank Employees Stage Massive Protest for Five-Day Work Week
Thousands of bank employees in Trichy took to the streets on Tuesday, staging a significant protest to pressure the government into approving a five-day work week by officially declaring all Saturdays as bank holidays. The demonstration led to widespread disruptions in branch operations across the city as workers boycotted their duties in a coordinated action.
United Forum of Bank Unions Leads City-Wide Boycott
The protest was spearheaded by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which organized a comprehensive boycott throughout Trichy. In a visible show of solidarity, the group also staged a demonstration in front of the State Bank of India branch located near the Cantonment area during the morning hours, drawing attention to their demands.
Nationwide Impact of the One-Day Strike
On a national scale, public sector banks experienced substantial interruptions as lakhs of employees and officers participated in the one-day strike called by the UFBU. This umbrella organization represents nine key unions in the banking sector, amplifying the collective voice of workers across the country.
Longstanding Demands and Workforce Challenges
At the protest site, UFBU representatives highlighted their persistent demand for a five-day work week, which has remained unresolved since 2015. They pointed to critical issues plaguing the banking sector, including severe staff shortages, escalating workloads, heavy regulatory demands, and increasing stress levels that adversely affect work-life balance for employees.
Service Disruptions and Digital Continuity
Everyday branch transactions, such as cash deposits, withdrawals, and cheque processing, were severely impacted by the strike. However, digital banking services including UPI, mobile and internet banking, ATMs, and business correspondents continued to operate without issues, mitigating hardship for customers who relied on these alternatives.
Extended Closure Due to Consecutive Holidays
With banks already scheduled to be closed for Sunday and Republic Day, the strike resulted in a three-day closure of physical branches for many account holders. This extended shutdown underscored the timing and strategic planning behind the protest, maximizing its visibility and impact on banking services.
