Convener News Desk
Jammu/Srinagar/Leh, Dec 30: Bank employees in Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh, under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), staged demonstrations outside bank offices, pressing for the implementation of a 5-day work week across the banking sector.
Union leaders highlighted the increasing stress and workload faced by branch employees and officers, citing the need for improved work-life balance.
“The issue and our demand are well-known. Bank staff are working under significant physical and mental pressure, making the introduction of a 5-day week both reasonable and justified,” they said.
The UFBU referred to the 10th Bipartite Settlement / 7th Joint Note signed in 2015, which granted holidays on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, while the remaining Saturdays remained working days.
In line with an understanding reached on December 7, 2023, between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and workmen unions, a recommendation was made to the Government to declare all Saturdays as holidays for bank employees.
Union representatives noted that over two years have passed since the IBA recommendation, and the matter is still pending government approval. They emphasised that continued understaffing has resulted in extreme work pressure on employees, officers, and branch managers, making the demand for remaining Saturdays as holidays “most reasonable and justified.”
Rajesh Mehta, UT Secretary of AIBOC, Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, reiterated that government intervention is urgently needed to address the longstanding demand and alleviate stress on bank employees.
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