The two-day nationwide strike of State Bank of India (SBI) employees scheduled for May 25 and 26 has been cancelled. This decision was taken after talks between the bank’s management and union representatives. Due to this, banking operations will continue normally in all branches on both days. A meeting between representatives of SBI management and employees was held at the bank’s corporate center in Mumbai on Friday. SBI Staff Association (Bengal Circle) secretary Sudeep Dutta told PTI that the meeting with the management went very well, and a lot of progress has been made on many of the demands put forward by the federation. In view of this new situation, the proposed strike has been postponed.
**Banks will remain closed on 27-28 May due to Bakri Eid holidays**
Meanwhile, banking operations in SBI branches are expected to be affected on May 27 and 28 due to Bakri Eid holidays. Since Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on different dates in different states of India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared a two-day holiday on this occasion. In most parts of the country, SBI branches will remain closed on May 27 due to Eid-ul-Azha, while in some areas May 28 will be a holiday. Apart from this, a government holiday has been declared on both May 27 and 28 on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha in the banking circles of Jammu and Kashmir.
**Why did SBI employees want to go on strike?**
The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) had announced the strike to get a list of 16 demands met. This strike was called with the aim of protecting the rights of employees, ensuring good working environment and maintaining the interests of customers. AISBISF is the largest body representing SBI employees across the country; It negotiates with management regarding employees’ rights, wages and working conditions.
**Banks remained closed on 23-24 May due to weekend holidays**
Earlier, banks were closed on May 23 – which was the fourth Saturday of the month – and May 24, which was a Sunday. According to the rules, all banks across the country remain closed on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Aadhaar is an important document in our country. Often, we do not keep it with us for fear of losing it or getting damaged. But, did you know that you can also download a virtual copy of it (PDF file)? There is no charge for this service, and it is valid everywhere.