Partial response to bank strike in twin districts

The all-India strike called by the two bank unions to oppose the merger of more public sector banks evoked partial response in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi on Tuesday.

Some branches of public sector banks closed down their operations for the day, while many operated with skeletal staff. The All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) gave the call for the strike.

It did not have any impact on the operations of State Bank of India as its employees are not associated with the two organisations, a bank official said.

The unions have urged the authorities concerned not to go ahead with the merger of banks. The two organisations are also demanding, among others, stoppage of banking reforms, stringent action against loan defaulters, increase in interest rates for deposits, not to increase service charges for customers, and adequate recruitment in banks.

The absence of clerical staff forced the lone officer in the Punjab National Bank, Balmatta branch, to close operations for the day. The officer had locked the collapsible gate to the branch and was asking customers to come on Wednesday.

Corporation Bank’s Pandeshwar branch, which is among the busy ones in the city, operated with skeletal staff. “One clerical staff is not associated with the two organisations and hence, he is working,” an officer said and added, “We are providing all services, but there is some delay.” As all the four clerical staff members were on strike, an officer from the Allahabad Bank in Pandeshwar said that customers were asked to make use of the ATM and cash deposit machines. “We have ensured that customers are not affected by the strike,” the officer said.

Earlier, members of the two organisations staged a protest in front of the Canara Bank in Balmatta.

Similar protests were held in front of the Zonal Office of the Corporation Bank in Udupi.