Bank Employees Strike Over Pending Demands

Warangal:Bank employees across Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet observed a strike on Friday in response to a call by the United Forum of Bank Unions, boycotting duties and staging protests while wearing black badges. Hundreds of employees gathered at the SBI main branch in Warangal and asserted their unity and determination to press for their demands.

SBI Officers Association DGS Y. Praveen Kumar, who participated in the protest in Warangal, demanded that the authorities address the employees’ grievances.

In Hanamkonda, bank employees took out a rally to the Ambedkar statue and raised slogans. They also staged dharnas outside various bank branches, demanding that their legitimate concerns be addressed and steps be taken to safeguard the banking sector.

The employees demanded the implementation of a five-day banking week, resolution of pending staff issues and suitable changes to the performance-linked incentive system. They also called for the immediate filling of vacancies and recruitment of additional staff in view of the increasing workload. They further demanded restoration of pension benefits.

The protesters urged the government to immediately halt privatisation in the banking sector and protect public sector banks. They called for safeguarding employees’ rights and strengthening the public banking system, and said they would continue their united struggle until their demands were met.

The strike brought banking operations to a standstill across the region on Friday. Customers who visited branches for cash withdrawals, deposits and other transactions faced considerable inconvenience. In several areas, the non-availability of ATM services added to the difficulties of people requiring cash for urgent needs.

With Saturday, Sunday and Monday being consecutive holidays, disruption to banking services is expected to continue. Customers may face further difficulties in carrying out cash transactions and meeting other banking requirements over the next few days.