Banking operations were paralysed as officers and staff of nationalised banks and some private banks went on a two-day strike on Wednesday condemning the Central government’s ‘anti-employee’ attitude and opposing a slew of measures planned by the Centre including the Banking Laws Amendment Bill.
All nine bank unions participated in the nation-wide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Employees Union, opposing the unilateral implementation of ‘anti-employee’ recommendations of the Khandelwal Committee. The employees expressed their opposition to banking sector reforms, closure of branches in rural areas, and outsourcing of jobs to private parties. They demanded filling up of vacant posts in nationalised banks.
Banking sources said the strike was total in Tiruchi district with officers and employees joining the stir. With no transactions in banks, automated teller machines of various banks at different places in the city, witnessed heavy rush of customers.
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A demonstration was held in front of State Bank of India’s main branch in which several employees took part. The protest was led by D. Singaravelu, president, SBI Employees Association, Chennai circle. Representatives of various bank unions spoke.