Chandigarh: Banking operations across the city were severely disrupted on Friday as bank employees and officers joined a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to demand a five-day work week.Protesting staff gathered at Bank Square in Sector 17 to stage a dharna. UFBU Chandigarh convenor Priyvrat stated that employees were forced to strike because the five-day week remains unimplemented despite an agreement signed between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and bank unions in March 2024.Under the 2024 agreement, unions had agreed to extend daily working hours by 40 minutes to compensate for off-saturdays.Unions pointed out that five-day work weeks are already standard across the RBI, LIC, courts, stock markets, and govt offices. They added that digital channels—including ATMs, UPI, internet, and mobile banking—ensure continuous customer access on weekends.Highlighting that workers sacrificed a day’s salary to join the protest, union leaders warned of escalating action: another strike from Sept 28 to Sept 30, followed by an indefinite strike starting Oct 26 if demands are not met.
