Strike hits banking operations

Tribune News Service & PTI

New Delhi, July 29

Services at around 80,000 bank branches in the country were hit today as employees of public sector banks went on a one-day strike to protest the proposed merger of SBI associates with the parent and other issues.

However, private sector banks like ICICI Bank were working as usual.

The United Forum of Banks Unions (UFBU), an umbrella organisation of nine bank employees and officers unions representing 8 lakh staffers, has gone ahead with the strike, affecting services like cheque clearances, cash deposit and withdrawal at branches and other facilities.

According to the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) general secretary, CH Venkatachalam, normal operations at branches across all PSU banks were affected.

Meanwhile, the day-long strike by public sector banks’ employees today figured in the Rajya Sabha as the Opposition asked the government to respond to the demands raised by the bank unions.

Raising the issue during the zero hour, D Raja (CPI) said the bank unions were on strike to protest the privatisation of public sector banks, non-recovery of bad loans and no action being taken against wilful defaulters. Raja said he has given a notice to discuss the issue. However, Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said the notice has not been admitted.