The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), Manipur State Unit, has announced a series of agitational programmes, including an indefinite strike from October 26, demanding implementation of a five-day working week and resolution of pending issues concerning bank employees and officers.
The first agitation was held in front of the State Bank of India (SBI), MG Avenue, today. Further protests are scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30, followed by a continuous strike from October 26.
The UFBU, comprising seven major bank employee and officer unions, said an agreement reached with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in March 2024 provided for declaring all Saturdays as holidays, with working hours from Monday to Friday extended by 40 minutes. The proposal was subsequently sent to the Ministry of Finance for approval but remains pending.
The unions maintained that five-day banking would not reduce customer service hours, as the additional 40 minutes each working day would compensate for the loss of Saturday banking.
The UFBU is also demanding adequate recruitment of clerical and sub-staff personnel, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, pension updation, uniform dearness allowance for pensioners, enhancement of the gratuity ceiling, revision of ex-gratia payments to pre-November 2022 pensioners and filling of vacant Workman and Officer Director posts.
Other demands include a Leave Bank and coverage of medical insurance premiums for retirees by banks.
The announcement followed conciliation meetings held on September 8 and 9 under the Chief Labour Commissioner and Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner, with Finance Ministry officials also participating. The UFBU said the talks failed to produce an understanding as the government gave no commitment on implementing five-day banking.
The unions said the strike had become unavoidable due to the failure to resolve the pending issues and warned that bank branches would remain closed and banking services unavailable during the strike.
