The All India Punjab National Bank Officers’ Association (AIPNBOA) has issued a strike notice, announcing a 48-hour nationwide strike from midnight on March 27 to midnight on March 29, 2025. The strike is in protest against the new transfer policy for Scale I, II, and III officers, which the association claims is detrimental to officers and bank operations.
Key Issues Behind the Strike
Opposition to the New Transfer Policy: The association argues that the policy, introduced via HRMD Circular No. 816/2025 on February 28, 2025, forces officers to relocate far from their families, disrupts customer service due to language barriers, and weakens the bank’s business influence.
Withdrawal of Charge Sheets: The association has condemned the charge sheets issued to AIPNBOA’s Aligarh Circle President and Secretary for conducting a peaceful demonstration, terming it an act of vindictive action.
Medical Aid and Wage Settlement Issues: AIPNBOA has demanded the implementation of medical aid benefits based on revised basic pay, which they claim has been unfairly denied after the amalgamation of Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India with PNB.
Pending Performance-Linked Incentive (PLI) Arrears: The association is demanding the release of arrears for the 2022-23 period as per the 9th joint note wage settlement signed on March 8, 2024.
Additional CAIIB Increment: Officers eligible for extra increments under the wage settlement have reportedly not received them, leading to frustration among employees.
Agitation Schedule
AIPNBOA has outlined a series of protest activities leading up to the strike:
- March 11, 2025 – Serving strike notice to PNB management, Chief Labour Commissioner, and banking authorities.
- March 12-29, 2025 – Black ribbon/badge protests by officers in all PNB offices.
- March 12, 17, 21, 27, 2025 – Demonstrations at Circle and Zonal Offices after office hours.
- March 17 & 19, 2025 – WhatsApp and email protests to bank authorities.
- March 26, 2025 – Demonstration at PNB Head Office, Dwarka.
- March 28-29, 2025 – 48-hour nationwide strike.
AIPNBOA’s Stand
AIPNBOA has urged PNB’s management and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) to address these issues immediately to avoid disruptions. The association has also warned that further agitation may follow if their demands remain unfulfilled.
Impact on Banking Services
With thousands of PNB officers participating in the strike, banking operations across India could face disruptions, particularly in services requiring officer approvals, such as loan processing, customer support, and administrative functions.
What’s Next?
The ball is now in PNB’s court. If the bank’s management does not engage in discussions with the association, banking services could take a hit, affecting customers nationwide.
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