Bank unions call nationwide strike on 11 September over pay, pension

Bank unions under the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) have threatened a nationwide strike on 11 September to press for a five-day work week, a performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, dearness allowance reforms, and pension updates. The UFBU, which represents nine employee and officer unions, said the Indian Banks' Association had agreed to a five-day week in March 2024, but the government has not approved it for over two years.

The unions also oppose the government's PLI scheme for officers at Scale IV and above, which they say breaks earlier agreements and gives a disproportionate benefit to senior officers. The issue is before the Chief Labour Commissioner and the Delhi High Court. If the strike goes through, services at public sector banks will be hit on 11 September, followed by bank holidays on 12 and 13 September, and 14 September in some states.

The UFBU has warned of a three-day strike from 28 September and an indefinite strike from 26 October if demands are not met. Among other demands are a uniform DA formula for pensioners and an option for NPS employees to switch to the old pension scheme.