Jammu, Jan 27: Bank employees under the banner of various bank unions observed a strike in Jammu on Tuesday, pressing for the implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector. The ongoing strike entered its fourth day, affecting banking operations across the region, union representatives said.
Members of different bank unions 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, as reported by the news agency Kashmir News Trust said that nearly eight lakh bank employees across the country are participating in the strike. Rajesh Khat, a representative of the Confederation, said discussions had earlier taken place between bank unions, the Reserve Bank of India and the government regarding the demand for a five-day working schedule.
He said the Government of India had earlier assured that the five-day work week would be implemented in the banking sector, but no concrete steps have followed, leading to growing frustration among employees.
Union leaders said bank staff are facing increasing workload, staff shortages and extended working hours, resulting in mounting mental stress. They said the implementation of a five-day work week is essential to ensure work-life balance and improve efficiency in the banking system.
The striking employees warned that the agitation would continue if their demands are not addressed. Banking services were affected at several branches due to the strike, officials said. (KNT)
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