Banking services remain hit, protesters carry out bike rally

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 1

Various banks in area remained closed on the second day of strike by called by United Forum of Bank Unions Employees. Demanding wage hike, hundreds of bank employees, under the banner of Punjab Bank Employees’ Federation, held a protest rally today.

A demonstration rally was held in front of Punjab National Bank, Chhoti Baradari, Patiala. Following this, a bike rally was taken out in the city markets which concluded at Quila Mubarak Chowk. The protesters were demanding five-day week banking system and early wage revision for more than 10 lakh bank employees in India.

The bank employees were demanding wage revision settlement at 20 per cent hike on payslip components with adequate loading thereof, five-day week banking system, merger of special allowance with basic pay, scrap New Pension Scheme (NPS), updation of pension, improvement in a family pension.

Harinder Gupta, member, AIBOC, said in the last meeting on wage increase held between the UFBU and the IBA on January 30, a 15% increase in wages was offered which was rejected by the UFBU and compelled them to go on agitation. He said next strike will be observed on March 11, 12 and 13 and indefinite strike will start from April 1.