Business · India Bureau
PSU banks waive ATM fees as unions strike over weekend operations
Public sector banks have suspended ATM charges for customers during a three-day strike called by employee unions protesting regulatory directives. The unions have also objected to the Reserve Bank of India's directive requiring banks to remain open on Sundays.
LSN India ·
Major public sector banks have announced a temporary waiver on ATM transaction charges as banking operations face disruption from a three-day strike launched by employee unions. The move comes as unions representing bank workers press their grievances over working conditions and operational directives from the central bank.
The strike was called in response to the RBI's instruction requiring banks to remain operational on Sundays, a move that has drawn sharp opposition from employee representatives. Unions affiliated with RBI-supported organizations have raised concerns about the additional burden this places on staff and the lack of consultation in implementing the directive.
The three-day shutdown is expected to affect routine banking services across the country, though essential operations are likely to continue. By waiving ATM charges, banks are attempting to mitigate inconvenience to customers who may face limited branch access during the strike period.
Union officials have indicated that the stalemate reflects broader tensions between regulatory requirements and workforce concerns regarding operational sustainability. Bank management has not yet issued formal statements responding to the specific demands raised by the striking unions, though the ATM fee waiver suggests efforts to maintain customer relations during the disruption.