New Delhi: Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, ahead of a proposed three day nationwide bank strike scheduled from September 28 to 30.
The decision has been taken to ensure that customers do not face prolonged disruption in banking services. The strike is being called by the United Forum of Bank Unions, which represents several major banking employee unions.
The government has directed Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks to function normally on September 27. The Reserve Bank of India has also approved the continued operation of bank branches, offices, ATM linked branches and currency chests on the day.
The Sunday opening comes immediately before the proposed strike and follows the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27. Authorities said the arrangement is intended to provide customers with an additional opportunity to complete essential banking transactions before services could be affected by the strike.
Government Appeals For Strike To Be Deferred
The proposed strike follows an inconclusive conciliation meeting between the banking unions and government representatives. The government has urged the unions to resolve their outstanding demands through discussions rather than industrial action.
One of the main demands of the unions is the introduction of a five day banking week. The issue is currently under consideration, with authorities stating that the views of various stakeholders need to be examined before a decision is taken.
The unions have indicated that they could reconsider the strike if there is concrete progress towards implementing the five day banking system. Otherwise, they have maintained their plan to proceed with the September 28 to 30 strike.
Other demands include improvements in pension benefits, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System to shift to the Old Pension Scheme.
Bank unions had also staged a nationwide strike earlier in September over their demands.
