Rohtak: The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) staged a protest in Rohtak on Tuesday, demanding the immediate implementation of a five-day work week in the banking industry.Employees from various banks joined the nationwide strike, raised slogans, and sent a memorandum to Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, urging him to take up the matter in Parliament.
UFBU state president Jitender Siwach said banking operations remained completely disrupted across the country during the strike. Large-scale demonstrations were held at major centres, where employees participated in large numbers to press for work-life balance, humane working conditions, and implementation of previously agreed commitments, he said.Siwach said the demand for a five-day work week had been pending since 2015. At that time, he said, the govt made provisions for a two-day weekly holiday, but it was not implemented so far. He added that the BJP govt completed 10 years, yet the demand remained unfulfilled.He further said the five-day work week demand was long pending and fully justified. During wage revision talks in March 2024, Siwach said, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the UFBU reached an in-principle understanding on the issue. Despite this, he alleged, there was an undue delay in obtaining the required govt approval and issuing a formal notification, forcing employees to go on strike.Siwach said the strike was meant to serve as a warning to the govt. He said a national-level meeting would be held within the next 15 days to decide the future course of action, which could include a two-day strike or other measures.MSID:: 127626009 413 |
