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Bank Unions Strike Tuesday: Banks Assure Smooth Digital Services, ATMs Loaded

Bank unions have called for a 24-hour strike beginning midnight of January 26, demanding a five-day work week. In an urgent meeting, banks were advised to ensure smooth functioning of operations, particularly customer services and digital channels. While bank branch operations may be impacted, authorities assure that ATMs are adequately loaded and digital banking services will remain available. The strike call stands after conciliation meetings with the Department of Financial Services failed to yield a firm timeline.

Key Points: Bank Strike Jan 26: Banks Ensure Smooth Ops, Digital Channels Open

  • 24-hour bank strike begins midnight Jan 26
  • Banks ensure ATM cash loading & digital services
  • Strike for five-day work week demand
  • Branch operations may be impacted
2 min read

Banks advised to take all steps for smooth functioning of banking operations in wake of day-long strike by unions: Sources

Banks advised to ensure smooth operations during day-long bank union strike. ATMs loaded, digital services to function seamlessly. Strike over 5-day week demand.

"strike call stands - All India Bank Officers' Confederation"

New Delhi, January 26

An urgent meeting was held today in the wake of call for strike by bank unions for Tuesday and banks were advised to take all necessary steps to ensure the smooth functioning of banking operations, especially in respect of customer services, digital channels, clearing and settlement systems, government business, and the delivery of banking services through business correspondents, sources said.

They said the meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Department of Financial Services, with the Chairman, State Bank of India, Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of Nationalised Banks, and the Chief Executive, Indian Banks' Association.

UFBU, a forum of nine unions and associations representing bank employees and officers, has decided to go on a 24-hour strike beginning midnight of January 26, in support of their demand for five-day work week.

Sources said it has been conveyed by the banks that ATMs are being adequately loaded with sufficient cash, and arrangements have been made to ensure timely replenishment.

The sources also said that while the operation of bank branches may be slightly impacted due to the strike, it has been assured that digital banking services, including internet banking, mobile banking and other electronic payment channels, will remain available seamlessly, so that public are not inconvenienced and essential banking services continue smoothly.

According to All India Bank Officers' Confederation, conciliation meetings were held on January 22 and 23 with the Department of Financial services but there was no firm timeline and "strike call stands".

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Another strike? 😒 Just when I have to deposit a cheque for my business. They say ATMs will be loaded, but last time there was a strike, half the machines in my area were empty by afternoon. The planning better be solid this time.
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Aman W
Fully support the bank unions. They work under tremendous pressure. If IT companies can have a five-day week, why not banks? The management should come to the table with a proper timeline, not just hold meetings. Solidarity with the staff! ✊
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Sarah B
As someone who relies on business correspondents in my village for pension, I'm a bit worried. The article says they've made arrangements, but I hope it's not just on paper. For many elderly people, digital is not an option.
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Vikram M
This is the reality check for our digital push. Strikes happen, but if our digital infrastructure is robust, the impact is minimal. Kudos for ensuring net banking works. But long term, both employee welfare and customer convenience need to be balanced.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while I understand the strike, it always feels like the common citizen is held hostage. My EMI is due, and I need a branch for a specific document. Hope the "slightly impacted" doesn't mean a complete shutdown. The DFS should mediate faster.

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