Malik gh nabi cniJammu, (CNI NEWS): Banking operations were affected across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Friday as bank employees and officers observed a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in support of their long-pending demands, particularly implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector.At Jammu, employees from various banks and constituent unions participated in a demonstration under the leadership of Rajesh Mehta, AIBOC Secretary, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Similar demonstrations were held across J&K and Ladakh, from Kathua to Kargil.Union leaders said employees were compelled to resort to the strike as their demands remained unresolved despite repeated assurances and a formal agreement between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and bank unions in March 2024 on five-day banking.They said the proposed five-day work week would be implemented by extending
banking and working hours by 40 minutes on each working day, ensuring that total banking hours available to customers are not reduced despite holidays on all Saturdays.The unions pointed out that five-day working has been in force in Central Government offices since 1985 and is also followed by several other institutions, including State Government offices, courts, Income Tax offices, the stock market, the Reserve Bank of India and LIC.They further argued that banking customers have access to services
throughout the week through ATMs, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and other digital and alternate channels.UFBU also raised objections to the existing PLI framework, terming it unilateral and discriminatory, and demanded its review through bilateral discussions, besides settlement of other residual issues pending in the banking industry.Union leaders said the strong response to the strike reflected the unity of bank employees and officers. They said employees were not seeking any undue concession but were demanding implementation of an agreement already reached and a fair resolution of pending issues.
The unions also highlighted that employees participating in the strike would lose one day’s salary, as wages are deducted for the day of strike, describing the financial sacrifice as an indication of the seriousness of their demands.UFBU has announced further strike action on September 28, 29 and 30, followed by an indefinite strike from October 26, 2026, if the issues remain unresolved.The unions urged the Government and IBA to initiate meaningful dialogue and resolve the matter to avoid further disruption of banking services. CNI NEWS