Bank branches see heavy Sunday traffic before three-day strike
Public sector and regional rural banks opened on Sunday in Visakhapatnam and elsewhere in India ahead of a nationwide strike scheduled for September 28-30. Customers used the extra banking day to complete transactions, while unions are demanding a five-day working week, pension changes and more recruitment.
Bank branches in Visakhapatnam and other parts of the State saw increased customer traffic on Sunday ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions, an umbrella body of seven unions. Its principal demands include a five-day working week, pension revision and staff recruitment.
The Reserve Bank of India approved Sunday operations for public sector banks and regional rural banks, as well as ATMs, ATM-linked outlets and currency chests. The measure was intended to reduce disruption because the strike follows weekend holidays on September 26 and 27. Branches displayed notices advising customers to complete essential transactions before the strike.
Customers were also encouraged to use ATMs, customer service points and digital services, including internet banking, YONO, mobile banking and UPI, during the proposed industrial action. Kunjaban Bag, assistant general manager at the State Bank of India in Visakhapatnam, said the bank was operating at full strength in line with RBI instructions. He said the main branch had served more than 200 customers by the time he spoke.
The Sunday turnout was reported at branches across the district and in other locations in the State. Customers used the additional opening day to undertake banking transactions before the strike dates. The United Forum of Bank Unions has not withdrawn the proposed action in the supplied material.
Banks are therefore advising customers to use available digital and self-service channels if branches are affected from September 28.
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