Banking services across Gujarat are expected to face disruptions today as bank employees participate in the nationwide strike called by central trade unions against the Centre’s labour reforms and other pending demands. The State Bank of India (SBI) has already informed customers that normal operations may be affected on February 12 due to employee participation in the protest.
The Mahagujarat Bank Employees Association (MGBEA) has urged bank staff to join the strike in large numbers, indicating a significant impact on banking transactions across the state.
Opposition to labour codes
Along with the demand for a five-day banking work week, bank unions are protesting against the four labour codes introduced by the Centre. Trade unions claim the codes were implemented without adequate consultation and may weaken workers’ rights, including the right to strike and collective bargaining. They also argue that the new framework could dilute social security provisions and workplace safety while making trade-union functioning more complex.
Key demands
The unions have put forward several demands, including:
- Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS)
- Halting privatisation of public sector banks and strengthening them
- Filling vacant posts through fresh recruitment
- Ending outsourcing and contract-based employment
- Stronger action for recovery of large bad loans
- Reduction in service charges for customers
- Withdrawal of the decision allowing 100% FDI in insurance companies
Large-scale participation expected
Ten central trade unions — INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC — have jointly called the strike to oppose the replacement of 29 labour laws with four labour codes. In Gujarat, a rally is scheduled from Ellisbridge near Town Hall to Nehru Bridge, followed by a human-chain demonstration. Around 25,000 bank employees are expected to participate, potentially affecting operations at nearly 3,678 nationalised bank branches.
Employees of some private sector banks, including Federal Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Karnataka Bank and IDBI Bank, are also likely to join the strike. Officials estimate that banking transactions worth nearly ₹15,000 crore could be affected during the day.
Digital services to continue
Despite the strike, digital banking services such as UPI, IMPS, NEFT and RTGS are expected to function normally, along with balance enquiries and bill payments through mobile and internet banking. Major private banks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank are operating as usual, while ATM services are expected to remain available depending on cash availability.
Customers have been advised to plan branch-related work accordingly as the strike continues through the day.