AIBOC Announces Two-Day Nationwide Bank Strike; Official Circular Released

The All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC) has called for a two-day nationwide bank strike on 24th and 25th February 2025. The decision, ratified by the AIBOC Executive Committee on 06 January 2025, demands the implementation of a five-day workweek (#5DaysBanking) and other pressing issues concerning bank employees. The title of the statement says that “Struggle is the only path: AIBOC Agitation Programme and Tentative Strike Dates”. Banking operations are expected to remain non-functional for four consecutive days, including the weekend preceding the strike.

Image - AIBOC statement released on 9th January, 2025

Key Demands

The strike is part of AIBOC’s agitation programme to address critical challenges faced by the banking sector and its employees. The confederation’s key demands include:

• Adequate recruitment across all cadres.
• Implementation of a five-day workweek in the banking industry.
• Withdrawal of directives on performance review and PLI by the Department of Financial Services (DFS).
• Safety measures for bank officers and staff against customer assaults.
• Resolution of pending issues with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
• Amend Gratuity Act to increase the ceiling to Rs 25 lacs on the lines of Scheme for government employees along with exemption from income tax

The IBA, during the 12th bipartite settlement talks, approved the demand for a five-day workweek and recommended it to the DFS. However, the final decision is pending with the DFS and the Government of India.

Opposition to Policy Matters
The statement raise some opposition to some policy matters. The statement reads as follows:

Opposing:
• Micromanagement of PSBs on policy matters by DFS undermining the autonomy of respective boards.
• Unfair Labour Practices in Banking Industry.

A Call to Action

The AIBOC circular urged all affiliates to prepare for the strike and emphasised the importance of collective action. The General Secretary of AIBOC, Rupam Roy, stated that the agitation programme highlights the resilience and unity of the banking fraternity.

The statement further says “Accordingly, it has been proposed by the executive committee to go for a two-day nationwide strike, tentatively scheduled for February 24 and 25, 2025. If required, more stringent actions may follow. Agitation programs will start soon after the notice of the strike is served this month.”

The ending note of the statement says that a detailed agitational programme will be shared with all state units and affiliates shortly.

The AIBOC’s strike announcement underlines the growing concerns of banking professionals over unresolved demands and challenges. With banking services set to be affected nationwide, stakeholders are awaiting further communication from the authorities regarding the pending decisions.

Strike Impact

The strike will disrupt banking services across the country for four consecutive days, including 22nd February (Saturday) and 23rd February (Sunday), which are holidays. Customers are advised to plan their banking transactions accordingly.

Read more on the issues that the banking sector is facing here at https://thekanal.in/en-IN/sector/64d1381d1b7f0e0013ca22e7