Guwahati: Banking operations in the city were disrupted on Tuesday as bank employees, part of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), participated in a nationwide strike, pressing for the implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector.The strike saw participation from public sector banks, private banks, foreign banks and cooperative banks, affecting routine transactions and customer services. According to members of the UFBU, nearly eight lakh bank employees across the country participated in the strike.“UFBU, an umbrella body of nine major bank unions, has been demanding govt approval for the implementation of a five-day work week, declaring all Saturdays as holidays.
At present, banks observe holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, while the remaining Saturdays are working days,” said Naren Sarma, president of the bank employees’ federation, northeastern region.“In the financial sector, RBI, LIC and GIC already follow this rule. All central govt and state govt offices are operational only from Monday to Friday. Stock exchanges function from Monday to Friday. Money market and foreign exchange transactions are closed on Saturdays and Sundays,” Sarma added.He said in a settlement signed in 2015, Indian Banks’ Association and the govt agreed to declare the second and fourth Saturdays as holidays. At that time, the UFBU was assured that the demand to make all Saturdays holidays would be considered. However, the matter remains pending.“In 2022, govt and Indian Banks Association agreed to discuss the issue with UFBU and increase the working hours so that the remaining Saturdays can be declared as holidays.
In Dec, 2023, after discussion, it was agreed that the daily working hours from Monday to Friday will be increased by 40 minutes. This has been recommended to the govt. However, unfortunately, it has been pending approval from the govt for the past two years,” he added.UFBU had earlier called for a two-day strike last year, but deferred it following assurances from the govt that the matter was under active consideration. Even after conciliation meetings held by the chief labour commissioner on Jan in Delhi, no positive response was received from the finance ministry.
In Dec, 2023, after discussion, it was agreed that the daily working hours from Monday to Friday will be increased by 40 minutes. This has been recommended to the govt. However, unfortunately, it has been pending approval from the govt for the past two years,” he added.UFBU had earlier called for a two-day strike last year, but deferred it following assurances from the govt that the matter was under active consideration. Even after conciliation meetings held by the chief labour commissioner on Jan in Delhi, no positive response was received from the finance ministry.
