This is a big blow to the customers of State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank. Citing its pending demands and rights of employees, the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) has called for a two-day nationwide strike in May. Due to this strike, work in bank branches may come to a halt for four consecutive days at the end of the month.
Branches will remain closed for 4 consecutive days
Bank employees will be on strike on May 25 (Monday) and May 26 (Tuesday). Before this, banks will remain closed on May 23 (being the fourth Saturday of the month) and May 24 (being a Sunday). In this way, bank branches will remain closed for four consecutive days from Saturday to Tuesday.
Why is this strike happening?
The federation alleges that employees’ complaints are being ignored and the agreements are not being implemented properly. The organization says that employees’ voices are being suppressed, and many decisions are being implemented without any prior consultation.
16 main demands of employees
Recruitment of messengers (support staff) should be started. Armed guards should be recruited. Employees covered under NPS (National Pension System) should have the option to change their pension fund manager. Employees recruited after 2019 should be given the facility of inter-circle transfer (transfer from one circle to another). Outsourcing for permanent jobs should be stopped. Adequate staff should be recruited. Issues related to pay discrepancies should be resolved.
The career progression scheme should be reviewed. Retired employees should be given the benefit of additional salary increase. The system of medical expenses and reimbursement should be improved. All components of salary should be included in the calculation of pension. Problems arising within the HRMS system must be solved. A ‘Workman Director’ should be appointed. A representative should be appointed for the PF (Provident Fund) Trust. Mis-selling of products under the guise of ‘cross-selling’ should be stopped. Demands related to NPS and pension.
Main concerns regarding security and pension
Citing the recent robbery incident at the Surat branch, concerns have been raised over the shortage of security guards within the bank. The demands include including all components of salary in the calculation of pension and improving the process of reimbursement of medical expenses.
pre-strike protest program
Before the strike, different types of protests will be organized across the country. A demonstration was held during the lunch break today (5 May); A press conference is scheduled for May 7, followed by protests across the country on May 11. A charter of demands will be submitted to the Finance Minister on May 19 and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 21.
What will be the impact on customers?
Check clearance, cash transactions and other branch-level services may remain disrupted on May 25 and 26. However, online services like net banking, mobile banking and ATMs are expected to remain operational during the strike.
