Bank Unions Strike: Public Sector Banks Hit Nationwide Over 5-Day Work Week Demand

• United Forum of Bank Unions called for a nationwide strike on January 27, affecting public sector bank services.
• The primary demand is the immediate implementation of a 5-day work week system for bank employees.
• Unions claim a prior agreement for Saturday holidays during the March 2024 wage settlement, awaiting government notification.
• Services like cash deposits, withdrawals, and cheque clearance at public sector banks (SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda) are impacted.
• Private banks (HDFC, ICICI, Axis) and digital banking services remain unaffected; ATM cash availability might be an issue.

Why It Matters: Public sector bank services are disrupted nationwide due to a strike demanding a 5-day work week.