Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 7: In support of their demands, a large number of bank employees staged a protest demonstration here today.
The protest was led by Vishal Verma, Jammu and Kashmir president AIBOC and Rajesh Mehta, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh UT Secretary AIBOC.
The bank employees under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), comprises AIBOC, AIBEA, NCBE, BEFI, INBEC, INBOC, NOBW and NOBO, highlighted key demands aimed at improving both customer service and employee welfare.
A central demand of the unions is the introduction of a 5-day work week in the banking industry.
Speaking on the occasion, union leaders pointed out that during the March 2024 Bipartite Settlement and Joint Note, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the unions reached an agreement to implement a 5-day week, and a formal recommendation was forwarded to the government for approval.
“However, nearly a year has passed and the government is yet to notify this change. With 24×7 digital banking services already available and most government and corporate offices working five days a week, it’s high time the banking sector aligns with this practice,” they said.
Another pressing issue raised by the unions is the need for permanent recruitment across all cadres.
They also highlighted various other concerns, including the urgent need to address the rising workload in branches due to staff shortages, ensuring fair and transparent policies regarding promotions, transfers, employee welfare, opposing any attempts at unfair labor practices and further privatization within the banking sector.
Union leaders further stated that if their demands remain unaddressed, they will intensify their protests in the coming weeks.
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