PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Jan 27: Banking services across Jamshedpur and other parts of the state were severely disrupted on Tuesday as bank employees observed a nationwide one-day strike demanding the implementation of a five-day workweek.
The strike had a widespread impact, with public sector banks, private banks, and regional rural banks remaining completely shut. Bank employees stayed away from work and staged demonstrations outside their respective branches, raising slogans against the government.
Banking Services Disrupted
Essential services such as cheque clearance, cash deposits and withdrawals, demand drafts, and other routine banking operations were affected, causing inconvenience to customers across the city.
The strike was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
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Demand Pending Since 2015
Employees said they have been consistently demanding a five-day workweek since 2015, but no concrete decision has been taken so far. They argued that many government departments and institutions already follow a five-day schedule, and denying the same benefit to bank employees is unjustified.
Staff Shortage, Work Pressure Cited
Addressing the gathering during the protest, union leaders highlighted the growing pressure in the banking sector due to staff shortages, rising business targets, increased digital workload, and long working hours.
They said these factors are adversely affecting employees’ health and family life, and stressed that a five-day workweek would not only provide relief but also improve efficiency and quality of customer service.
Warning of Intensified Protest
In Jamshedpur, bank employees were seen holding banners and placards, urging the government to take a positive decision on their long-pending demands. They warned that if their concerns continue to be ignored, the unions would be forced to intensify their agitation in the coming days.
