India’s banking public is bracing for potential chaos as prominent unions gear up for a one-day strike on February 12. The announcement, highlighted by Bank of Baroda’s exchange notification, signals widespread service disruptions in public sector banks.
Leading the charge are AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI, who have cited the controversial four new labor codes as a major grievance. Unions argue these reforms unfairly increase employee workloads without adequate safeguards.
While Bank of Baroda is mobilizing to minimize downtime, branches may still face closures or reduced staffing. Major players like SBI and PNB could see significant absenteeism, affecting everything from deposits to loan processing.
Good news for private sector users: Banks like HDFC, ICICI, and Axis should run business as usual. RBI has confirmed no public holiday, underscoring the strike’s targeted nature.
Echoing a January 27 protest organized by UFBU—nine unions strong—this action revisits demands for shorter workweeks after fruitless talks. The forum, representing thousands of public bank workers, remains vocal against perceived erosions of employee rights.
As digital banking surges, strikes like these remind us of the human backbone of finance. Plan ahead: Use ATMs, apps, or private outlets to stay ahead of any hiccups.