Jammu, Jan 27: Bank employees under the banner of various unions observed a strike in Jammu on Tuesday, demanding the implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector. The strike, now in its fourth consecutive day, disrupted banking operations across the region, union representatives said.
Employees from different banks assembled in Jammu as part of the nationwide agitation, holding placards and raising slogans in support of their demands. The protest is part of an all-India strike call given by bank employees’ organizations.
Addressing the gathering, representatives of the All India Bank Officers Confederation said nearly eight lakh bank employees across the country are participating in the strike. Confederation representative Rajesh Khat said discussions had earlier been held with the Reserve Bank of India and the Union government on the issue.
He said the government had assured bank unions that a five-day work week would be implemented, but the absence of follow-up action has led to dissatisfaction among employees.
Union leaders said bank staff are grappling with staff shortages, increasing workload and long working hours, causing mental stress. They asserted that a five-day work schedule is necessary to ensure better work-life balance and enhance efficiency in the banking system.
The unions warned that the agitation would continue if their demands remain unmet. Officials said banking services were affected at several branches due to the ongoing strike.
