Bank Officers Urge Support for Five-Day Work Week Strike

The All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) has sought support from West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, for a nationwide bank strike over the demand for a five-day work week. Despite assurances from the Indian Banks' Association, implementation has stalled at the Union Ministry of Finance.

The All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) on Wednesday urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to back a nationwide strike by bank employees scheduled for January 27. The protest seeks to address a longstanding demand for a five-day banking week.

Despite repeated assurances from the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), the proposal remains stalled at the Union Ministry of Finance. This delay has fueled discontent among bank workers nationwide. The matter was initially recommended by the IBA following successive bipartite settlements, but official notification from the Department of Financial Services is still awaited.

Emphasizing that the proposed five-day week wouldn't lead to a loss in man-hours, AIBOC proposed extending daily banking hours from Monday to Friday by 40 minutes. They cited the pressure on bankers, especially post-COVID-19, and noted the measure as equitable since similar arrangements exist in other sectors.

(With inputs from agencies.)