All nationalized banks, public sector banks (PSBs), regional rural banks (RRBs), IDBI Bank, Federal Bank, and Karnataka Bank will observe a two-day nationwide strike from midnight of March 23 to midnight of March 25, 2025. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to press for long-pending demands.
According to a press release, the strike has been organized as bank managements have failed to address the employees’ concerns despite repeated appeals for an amicable resolution.
Adequate recruitment in all cadres to address staff shortages.
Regularization of temporary employees.
Implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector.
Withdrawal of recent government directives on performance review and PLI, which employees claim threaten job security, create divisions, and violate the 8th Joint Note.
Safety measures for bank officers and staff against assaults and abuse by unruly customers.
Maintaining at least 51% government equity in IDBI Bank to ensure public sector control.
Ending micromanagement of PSBs by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) on policy matters affecting employee service conditions.
Staff Shortage Impacting Banking Services
Bank employees argue that despite PSBs playing a crucial role in implementing government schemes and serving millions daily, there has been a lack of adequate recruitment over the last decade. The resulting staff shortage has made it difficult to provide satisfactory customer service at bank branches.
UFBU and Participating Unions
The UFBU, which has called for the strike, comprises nine major bank unions, including:
All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA)
All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC)
National Confederation of Bank Unions (NCBU)
All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA)
Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI)
Indian National Bank Employees Federation (INBEF)
Indian National Bank Officers Congress (INBOC)
National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW)
National Organisation of Bank Officers (NOBO)