UFBU Calls for 48-Hour Strike on March 24-25 Over Pending Demands

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced a two-day nationwide strike on March 24 and 25, 2025, to press for a series of long-standing demands. The strike comes after extensive discussions among union leaders, highlighting unresolved issues and emerging challenges faced by banking employees across the country.

Key demands include the recruitment of adequate staff in all cadres and the regularization of temporary employees. The unions are also advocating for the implementation of a five-day workweek in the banking sector, aligning with global practices to improve work-life balance for employees.

UFBU strongly opposes the recent directives from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) regarding performance reviews and the Performance-Linked Incentive (PLI) system. According to the unions, these measures threaten job security, create divisions among employees, violate the 8th Joint Note, and undermine the autonomy of public sector banks.

Employee safety is another major concern, with the unions demanding stronger protections against assaults and abuse by unruly customers. They are also calling for the immediate filling of vacant positions for Workmen and Officer Directors in public sector banks, along with the resolution of residual issues pending with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

Additionally, UFBU seeks amendments to the Gratuity Act to raise the ceiling to Rs 25 lakh, similar to government employees, and requests income tax exemptions on this amount. The unions demand that managements bear the income tax burden on staff welfare benefits provided to employees and officers on concessional terms.

The UFBU has also voiced opposition to the micromanagement of public sector banks by the DFS, particularly on matters affecting employee service conditions. They are against the outsourcing of permanent banking jobs and condemn unfair labor practices within the industry.

Another critical demand is maintaining a minimum of 51% government equity in IDBI Bank, ensuring continued public sector control.

The upcoming strike reflects the banking community’s growing frustration over unresolved issues and the perceived erosion of employee rights. The UFBU has urged all its affiliated unions and members to participate actively in the agitation, emphasizing unity and collective action to achieve their goals.