Srinagar, Aug 12 (JKNS): Bank employees on Wednesday held a massive demonstration at Bahu Plaza as part of the nationwide call given by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), demanding immediate implementation of the iong-pending Five-Day Banking Week.
Demonstrations were organised after office hours in State Capitals and important towns and centres across the country under the banner of UFBU. The programme follows the nationwide strike observed on 27 January 2026 on the same demand. UFBU has expressed serious concern over the continued delay despite the Indian Banks’ Association having agreed to the introduction of five-day banking in the MoU as weli as the Settlement/Joint Note and having recommended the matter to the Government.
Addressing the gathering, Mr.Rajesh Mehta, said that the demand is neither new nor unreasonable. Bank employees and officers have been patiently awaiting implementation of an understanding arrived at through the established process of collective bargaining. It is therefore difficult to understand why a settled issue continues to remain pending for Government approval.
” The banking workforce has consistently stood with the nation – during financial crises, demonetisation, the pandemic, implementation of Government schemes and every major econamic initiative. Five-day banking is now a question of fairness, dignity of labour and a modern working environment, we urge the Government to honour the commitmentwithout any further delay, ”
The representatives pointed out that banking today is no longer dependent solely upon physical branch operations. Digital banking, AIMs, mobile banking, internet banking and electronic payment systems provide customers access to essential banking services round the clock. Five-day banking, therefore, can be implemented while maintaining customer convenience and operational efficiency.
The demonstrators cautioned that prolonged silence on an already negotiated issue is creating widespread resentment among bank employees and officers. UFBU has also indicated that its constituent unions would meet to decide the further course of action, inciuding strike action, if the issue continues to remain unresolved.
The demonstration was attended by Mr.Rakesh (PNB), Mr.Puneet (Canara Bank), Naresh (BOB) besides a large number of bank employees and officers from various banks.
The gathering unanimously calied upon the Government of India to accord immediate approval for declaration of all Saturdays as holidays in the banking industry and implemenr the Five-Day Banking Week without further delav. (JKNS)