Jammu, September 11: Banking operations were affected across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Friday as bank employees and officers observed a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) over a set of demands, including implementation of a five-day working week.
In Jammu, employees from various banks and constituent unions participated in the strike programme under the leadership of Rajesh Mehta, AIBOC Secretary, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Union representatives said the strike was necessitated by the failure to implement the five-day banking arrangement despite an agreement between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and bank unions in March 2024 and subsequent assurances.
The unions said the proposed five-day working week would make all Saturdays holidays while increasing daily working and banking business hours by 40 minutes on working days to maintain the overall banking hours available to customers.
They also pointed out that five-day working is already followed in several government offices and institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India and LIC. The unions said banking customers continue to have access to services through ATMs, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and other digital channels throughout the week.
UFBU also raised objections to the existing Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) framework, describing it as unilateral and discriminatory, and sought its review through bilateral discussions. The unions also demanded settlement of other pending industry-level issues.
Union leaders said employees participating in the strike would lose one day’s wages, as salary is deducted for the day of the strike. They said the participation despite the financial loss reflected the seriousness of their demands.
“The success of the strike shows that bank employees are united on these issues. We are not seeking any undue concession; we are asking for implementation of an agreement already reached and for a fair resolution of the pending issues,” UFBU leaders said.
Demonstrations were also held at various centres across J&K and Ladakh, including from Kathua to Kargil, according to union representatives.
UFBU has announced further strike action on September 28, 29 and 30, followed by an indefinite strike from October 26 if the issues remain unresolved.
The unions said the Government and IBA still have an opportunity to resolve the issues through dialogue and avoid further disruption to banking services.
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