The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), a coalition of nine major bank unions representing over eight lakh employees, has announced a nationwide 48-hour bank strike from midnight on March 23 to midnight on March 25, 2025. The strike has been called in response to long-standing demands related to recruitment, job security, and working conditions in the banking sector.
Key Demands of Bank Employees
The UFBU has listed several pressing concerns, including:
- Adequate recruitment in banks and regularization of temporary employees
- Implementation of a 5-day work week across the banking sector
- Withdrawal of recent government directives on performance review and incentive schemes, which unions claim threaten job security
- Improved safety measures for bank staff facing assaults from customers
- Filling up vacant positions of Workmen/Officer Directors in public sector banks (PSBs)
- Amendment of the Gratuity Act to increase the ceiling to Rs 25 lakh, in line with government employee schemes
- Exemption from income tax on staff welfare benefits
- Government ownership of at least 51% of IDBI Bank to maintain public control
- End to micromanagement of PSBs by the Department of Financial Services (DFS)
- Stopping the outsourcing of permanent jobs and unfair labor practices
Acute Staff Shortage in Banks
The unions have highlighted the severe shortage of bank staff, which has led to increased workloads and affected customer service. They pointed out that over the last decade, public sector banks have lost nearly 1.4 lakh employees, while private banks have seen a sharp rise in staff strength.
Reduction in Staff (2013-2024)
- Total public sector bank staff: 8,86,490 (2013) → 7,46,679 (2024) (-1,39,811)
- Total private sector bank staff: 2,29,124 (2013) → 8,46,530 (2024) (+6,17,406)
The UFBU argues that public sector banks, which implement key government schemes, are understaffed, affecting customer service and overall efficiency.
Demand for a 5-Day Work Week
The unions have also renewed their demand for a 5-day work week, similar to other financial institutions like RBI, insurance companies, and government offices. According to the UFBU, banks have already agreed to the proposal and recommended it to the government over a year ago, but no decision has been taken.
Strike Called Due to Lack of Government Response
The UFBU stated that repeated appeals to the government and bank management have gone unanswered, leaving them with no choice but to resort to a nationwide strike.
The forum has urged customers to support their cause and bear with the inconvenience caused by the strike.
The protest is expected to disrupt banking services across the country, with public sector banks likely to be the most affected. Customers are advised to complete urgent banking transactions before March 23.
