Government Steps In as Strike Looms
Bank employees in Lucknow were all set to walk off the job, calling attention to problems that have been festering for years—like six-day workweeks, temporary contracts, and worries over job safety. But after the Uttar Pradesh government sat down with union leaders, those plans are on ice, for now.
The immediate trigger was a planned nationwide strike on March 24-25, organized by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). Groups like the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), and the National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE) didn't call for action lightly. They’ve been raising red flags about poor recruitment, growing contract work, and rising stress at work for a while.
During recent talks, government representatives promised to seriously weigh a five-day workweek. That’s been a top demand—not just because bank staff want more time off, but because oddly long workweeks in India’s banking sector are causing burnout and hurting performance. Private banks and many government offices already operate on a five-day basis, so public sector bank employees say it's time they receive similar treatment.
What Employees Want and What’s Next
The demands go way beyond just weekends off. Bank unions are pressing the government to regularize temporary employees—many of whom work year after year with no real job security. Staff are pushing back against outsourcing as well, worrying that third-party hiring is eroding job quality and stability in an industry already facing heavy pressure.
- Banks are also reviewing performance metrics, which often cause anxiety over job loss or missed promotions.
- There’s debate over raising the gratuity ceiling under the Gratuity Act to ₹25 lakh, something staff argue is overdue given rising costs and years of service.
After the government’s assurance, union leaders agreed to hold off on their strike—at least for now. The conversations with the Chief Labour Commissioner and the Department of Financial Services helped convince unions that their voices might finally be heard in policy decisions.
But the truce is temporary. Union leaders expect further negotiations soon, and employees across public sector banks are waiting to see what real changes come out of these talks. If the government can deliver on job security, fair recruitment, and a five-day week, it could be a major morale boost for India’s banking sector—a move that benefits both staff and the customers they serve every day.
