The UFBU, an umbrella body representing nine major bank unions, has long been advocating for these reforms to improve working conditions in the banking sector.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a two-day nationwide protest on March 24 and 25, 2025, urging the government and bank management to address key concerns, including better recruitment across all cadres, regularisation of temporary employees, and a five-day work week. The strike is expected to disrupt banking operations across the country, affecting customers who may face delays in transactions and banking services.
The UFBU, an umbrella body representing nine major bank unions, has long been advocating for these reforms to improve working conditions in the banking sector.
Who is Behind the Strike?
The UFBU comprises nine unions, representing both public and private sector bank employees. These include:
- All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA)
- All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC)
- National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE)
- All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA)
- Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI)
- Indian National Bank Employees Congress (INBEC)
- Indian National Bank Officers Congress (INBOC)
- National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW)
- National Organisation of Bank Officers (NOBO)
What Are the Key Demands?
- Better Recruitment in All Cadres:
- Unions argue that banks are facing severe staff shortages, leading to increased workload and inefficiencies. They are demanding adequate hiring across all levels, especially in rural branches.
- Regularisation of Temporary Employees:
- Many contract and temporary workers have been working for years without permanent employment benefits. UFBU is calling for their immediate regularisation to ensure job security.
- Implementation of a Five-Day Work Week:
- Banking unions have been pushing for a Monday-to-Friday work schedule, similar to government offices, to improve work-life balance.
Impact of the Strike on Customers
With bank employees across public and private sector banks participating in the protest, branches, ATMs, and other banking services could face disruptions on March 24 and 25. Customers are advised to plan their financial transactions in advance to avoid inconvenience.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in March 2025
Apart from the strike, here are other important bank holidays in March:
- March 27 (Thursday) – Shab-I-Qadr: Banks closed in Jammu and Srinagar.
- March 28 (Friday) – Jumat-ul-Vida: Banks closed in Jammu and Srinagar.
- March 31 (Monday) – Ramzan-Id (Id-Ul-Fitr):
- Banks closed in most states except Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
- However, as per RBI instructions, banks handling government transactions will remain open on March 31 to facilitate year-end financial operations.
The two-day bank strike is expected to highlight longstanding employee concerns and put pressure on banking authorities to consider reforms. While customers may experience disruptions, digital banking services such as UPI, mobile banking, and net banking will continue to function.