Bankers demonstrate across the country, demand 5-day work week and recruitment

JAMMU: Thousands of bank employees staged demonstrations today (14th February) in front of regional, zonal, and head offices of various banks across the country. Organized under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU)—which comprises AIBOC, AIBEA, NCBE, BEFI, INBEC, INBOC, NOBW, and NOBO—the protest highlighted key demands aimed at improving both customer service and employee welfare.

A central demand of the unions is the introduction of a 5-day work week in the banking industry. Union leaders pointed out that during the March 2024 Bipartite Settlement and Joint Note, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the unions reached an agreement to implement a 5-day week, and a formal recommendation was forwarded to the government for approval.

However, nearly a year has passed and the government is yet to notify this change. “With 24x7 digital banking services already available and most government and corporate offices working five days a week, it’s high time the banking sector aligns with this practice,” said a UFBU spokesperson.

Another pressing issue raised by the unions is the need for permanent recruitment across all cadres. Union leaders underscored that a robust workforce not only ensures better customer service but also reduces work pressure on existing staff, ultimately improving the quality of banking operations. They also highlighted various other concerns, including the urgent need to address the rising workload in branches due to staff shortages, Ensuring fair and transparent policies regarding promotions, transfers, and employee welfare, and Opposing any attempts at unfair labor practices and further privatization within the banking sector.

Today’s demonstrations are part of a broader agitation program, including a dharna in Delhi on 03rd March 2025, and culminating in a two-day nationwide strike on 24th and 25th March 2025. Union leaders stated that if their demands remain unaddressed, they will intensify their protests in the coming weeks.

About United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU):

UFBU is an umbrella body of nine major trade unions representing employees and officers in the Indian banking industry. It works to safeguard the rights of bank employees and to ensure a robust, customer-centric banking system.