GUWAHATI | Bank employees across the country went on strike on Friday over demands including implementation of a five-day banking week, equal benefits under the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, pension revision and job security.The strike, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), was also observed in Assam, where bank employees staged a protest outside the State Bank of India headquarters at Dispur in Guwahati.

The UFBU, an umbrella body of seven bank employees’ and officers’ organisations, is also seeking measures to strengthen public sector banking, protect jobs, improve customer services and promote financial inclusion.The unions have sought a five-day banking week, proposing that the additional working hours lost by keeping banks closed on all Saturdays be compensated by extending working hours from Monday to Friday by 40 minutes.

Bank employees currently get holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The unions have argued that the remaining working hours can be adjusted across the other five working days. The unions have also opposed the existing PLI scheme, alleging that a large section of bank employees has been excluded from its benefits. They have demanded that the incentive scheme be extended to all employees without discrimination.

Pension revision is another key demand. The unions have sought revision of bank pensions in line with Pay Commission recommendations, arguing that bank pensioners do not receive periodic revisions similar to government employees.A banking official said discussions had been held between the Department of Financial Services and the Chief Labour Commissioner, but no agreement had been reached on the key demands. The official said the PLI scheme was currently on hold but maintained that this had not addressed the unions’ concerns.

The five-day work week, he added, had been under consideration despite repeated assurances.According to the unions, an understanding was reached in 2024 that the additional holidays arising from a five-day banking week would be compensated by extending working hours by 40 minutes from Monday to Friday. However, the proposal has not yet been implemented. The unions have warned of further industrial action if their demands remain unresolved. Another strike has been scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30, followed by an indefinite strike from October 26, according to the protesters