On August 22 and 23, you may have to settle for an automated teller machine for your cash needs. Bank unions have called for an all-India strike on these two days.
The strike call, given by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), representing nine bank unions, is to oppose the ‘unilateral’ implementation of Khandelwal Committee recommendations (on human resource issues).
The unions are also against closure of rural branches that may be unviable.
C. H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary of the All-India Bank Employees Association, said bank employees have also been asked to be ready for an ‘instant protest strike’ if the Government goes ahead with the passage of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill in the monsoon session of Parliament.
He said that proposed amendments to the Banking Regulation Act and the Bank Nationalisation Act were “unwarranted” and were aimed at further de-regulating the sector with increased voting rights for foreign and corporate investors.
On human resource issues, Venkatachalam said the bipartite meeting held between UFBU and Indian Banks’ Association on July 24, as per the advice of the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner, proved futile.
The unions are upset that the IBA and Government are “indifferent” to their demands.