Breaking News: No Cash, No Counters, Bank Employees on Nationwide Strike

Banking services across the country have been affected as employees of government-owned banks are on strike today. The strike has been called to press the demand for a five-day work week. Due to this protest, no regular banking work is taking place for the fourth consecutive day. Earlier, banks remained closed on Saturday due to a weekly holiday, followed by Sunday’s regular weekly closure and then the January 26 public holiday. As a result, customers are facing extended disruption in banking services. The strike has been announced by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). According to the unions, several rounds of discussions were held with the central government and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), but no concrete decision or assurance was provided regarding their demands. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the unions decided to go ahead with the strike. Bank unions have emphasized that the demand for a five-day work week is aimed at improving work-life balance and aligning bank operations with other sectors. During the strike, branch-level services such as cash transactions, cheque clearance, and in-person banking work remain suspended. However, customers have been advised that online banking services, including internet banking, mobile banking, and ATM services, are expected to continue functioning normally. Authorities are monitoring the situation as talks may resume to resolve the issue.