Business · India Bureau
Major Indian banks warn of service disruptions as unions plan strike action
State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda have alerted customers to potential operational disruptions following strike calls by the United Forum of Bank Unions. The union has scheduled multiple stoppages from September through October, citing demands for a five-day work week and enhanced incentive structures.
LSN India ·
The State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda have issued advisories cautioning customers about possible service interruptions stemming from planned industrial action by banking sector unions. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced strike dates on September 11, followed by a three-day action from September 28-30, with plans for an indefinite strike beginning October 26.
The unions are pressing for several key demands, including a reduction to a five-day working week for bank employees and improved incentive schemes. These issues have been central to ongoing negotiations between the banking industry and union representatives.
Both SBI and Bank of Baroda have instructed their branches to maintain essential services during strike periods and have advised customers to complete critical transactions in advance. The banks have not yet announced specific contingency measures, though industry practice typically involves deploying senior management personnel to handle urgent operations.
The strike calls come at a time when India's banking sector faces increasing pressure to balance employee welfare demands with operational efficiency and customer service requirements. Previous industrial action in the banking sector has typically resulted in partial disruptions rather than complete service shutdowns.
Union representatives have indicated they are open to further dialogue with bank management to address their grievances before the scheduled action dates.