NEW DELHI: Thousands of bank employees protested at Jantar Mantar in Delhi today (3 March) under the banner of UFBU. One of the main demands of the unions is the introduction of a 5-day work week in the banking industry. During the bilateral agreement and joint note of March 2024, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the unions reached an agreement to implement a 5-day week, and a formal recommendation was sent to the government for approval. However, almost 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, this should be implemented in the banking sector with immediate effect. This will only lead to an increase in customer service and productivity,” said a UFBU spokesperson.
The union leaders emphasised that a strong workforce not only ensures better customer service but also reduces workload on existing employees, ultimately improving the quality of banking operations. They also highlighted several other concerns, including the urgent need to address the increasing workload in branches due to shortage of staff, ensuring fair and transparent policies with regard to promotions, transfers and employee welfare, and opposing unfair labour practices and any attempt at further privatisation in the banking sector.
Today's dharna is part of a wider agitation programme, with the union leaders saying that if their demands are not heeded, they will intensify their protests in the coming weeks and there will be a nationwide strike on 24.03.2025, 25.03.2025. Presidents, General Secretaries, State Secretaries, Presidents and Office Bearers of all bank associations participated in it.
