NEW DELHI: End September could bring trouble for bank customers in India. United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the apex body of ban employees, has called for a three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30. The strike is preceded by a Saturday and Sunday holiday ( September 26-27). Therefore, in some areas, bank branch operations could be affected for five consecutive days.
However, the actual impact will depend on the bank and employee participation in the strike. To prepare for the continuation of essential banking services during the strike, the Finance Ministry called a meeting of the heads of public sector banks and regional rural banks. Contingency plans for the continuation of banking and essential customer services were discussed in the meeting.
Why are employees striking work?
This strike has been called by the UFBU, a joint platform of seven bank employee and officer unions. The organisation claims to represent approximately 90% of the officers and employees in the banking sector. The unions’ key demands include implementing a five-day banking week. They also demand changes and improvements in pensions, a uniform dearness allowance system for all pensioners, and the option of reverting to the old pension system for employees covered by the National Pension System (NPS). Bank unions previously held a nationwide strike on September 11 to press these demands.
SBI and Union Bank warned customers
A few banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India, have advised customers to complete essential banking tasks before the strike. The advice is to complete those work which require a customer to visit a branch or assistance from a bank employee. Getting a bank draft made of discussing loan applications could be an example. This could include banking operations that require physical documents, certain types of check services, or employee assistance. These services may be affected by delays during a strike.
Which services will continue?
Branch services may be affected during the strike, but various digital and alternative banking channels will remain available. Customers will continue to enjoy options such as ATMs, Customer Service Points and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines.
Similarly, services such as internet banking, mobile banking, digital payments through YONO and UPI, and money transfers are expected to remain available. However, work that requires visiting a bank branch to submit documents or seek employee assistance may experience delays during the strike.
What customers can do?
If a customer has any important check-related work, such as submitting documents, visiting a branch to submit an application, or any other employee-assisted work, he/she must get it done beforehand. For general money transfers, payments, and other everyday tasks, options like UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, and ATMs can be used. However, it’s best to check with your bank beforehand about the availability of any specific service.
