Sunday Banking, Strike Ahead

Banks across the country, including Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), will remain open on Sunday, September 27, as authorities prepare for a proposed three-day nationwide strike by bank employees from September 28 to 30.

The Ministry of Finance said the decision was taken to ensure that customers can complete essential banking transactions before the proposed strike, which comes immediately after the weekend holidays and coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), representing a large section of the banking workforce, has called the strike primarily over its demand for a five-day banking week. The unions have also raised issues related to pension revision, dearness allowance for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to shift to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

The Reserve Bank of India has permitted bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests to operate normally on September 27.

The Finance Ministry said the government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to reconsider the strike and have taken steps to ensure that essential banking services remain available.

Several public sector banks have meanwhile advised customers to complete important transactions in advance and make use of digital services such as mobile and internet banking, ATMs, UPI and Business Correspondent (BC) points during the strike period.

The proposed industrial action also coincides with the September 30 half-yearly closing, when banks undertake important financial and operational processes, including reconciliation, provisioning and treasury-related activities.