Nationwide Strike on 20 May by Govt Employees; Banks and Central Trade Unions announce Strike
The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), one of the leading unions representing bank employees in India, has announced its decision to join the Nationwide General Strike on May 20, 2025. This decision was taken after a meeting of AIBEA’s Central Committee held virtually via Google Meet.
The strike call was originally given by the 10 Central Trade Unions of India, which include major organisations like INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC. The decision to go on strike was made during the National Convention of Workers held in Delhi on March 18, 2025. The meeting was attended by several trade unions, including AIBEA.
What is the reason of Strike?
The main reason for the strike is to protest against what the unions describe as increasing attacks on workers and anti-worker labour policies by the Central Government. Some of the key issues raised are:
- Labour policies that hurt workers’ rights
- Economic policies that harm the common people
- Introduction of new Labour Codes that reduce worker protection
- Growing privatisation of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- The scrapping of the Old Pension Scheme and the imposition of the New Pension Scheme (NPS)
- Lack of proper job opportunities for unemployed youth
The unions also demand the re-introduction of the Old Pension Scheme, protection of the public sector, and an end to corporate-friendly labour law changes.
AIBEA supports Strike
AIBEA General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam stated that the association has already circulated the official declaration adopted during the Convention. He explained that the Central Committee of AIBEA discussed the issue in detail and decided to actively participate in the strike.
He said that this decision shows AIBEA’s strong commitment to the larger trade union movement in India. The aim is to stand united with other working-class organisations and to fight back against policies that weaken labour rights.
Message to Bank Employees
AIBEA has called upon all its unions and members to march together, register their protest, and demand a rollback of these adverse policies. The association believes that unity and collective action are necessary to protect the rights and dignity of workers in the country.
Bank employees across India, under the banner of AIBEA, will be part of a massive general strike on May 20, 2025. This is a joint action with other trade unions to oppose labour policies, economic decisions, and reforms that are seen as harmful to the working class.
- National Convention Strike Declaration
- National Convention Strike Announcement
- Central Trade Unions support Strike
