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Bank of Maharashtra Employees Hold ‘Maha Dharna’ at Lokmangal Headquarters, Announce Nationwide Strike
Union leaders warn of worsening conditions as over 1,300 branches operate with just one employee. Over 500 employees gathered at Bank of Maharashtra’s headquarters in Pune, demanding recruitment and opposing contractual hiring. Strikes will disrupt banking services nationwide.
Author: Neha Bodke
Published: March 18, 2025
More than 500 employees from across the country gathered at Bank of Maharashtra’s headquarters, Lokmangal, on March 17,2025, staging an intense protest to demand immediate recruitment and enforcement of bilateral agreements.
The demonstration was followed by a public meeting, where union representatives voiced their concerns. Krishna Barurkar and Santosh Gadade represented various banking unions, while leaders from central labor organizations, including Lata Bhise, Ajit Abhyankar, and Nitin Kadam from All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), also extended their support.
They strongly opposed contractual hiring, stating that it undermines job security and workplace rights. They warned that if necessary, they too would join future protests.
Employees Demand Recruitment, Slam Outsourcing Practices
Devidas Tuljapurkar, Convenor of United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) of Maharashtra and Joint Secretary of the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), questioned the bank’s treatment of its workforce.“Public sector banks are earning profits, but at what cost? Instead of hiring, they are increasing workload pressure on existing staff while outsourcing jobs. This is unacceptable,”
He further criticized the outsourcing of permanent work and severe staffing shortages, stating: "More than 800 branches do not have peons. Over 300 branches lack even a single clerk. More than 1,300 branches have only one employee handling all operations."
This adversely affects customer service and overall efficiency, while employees are being overburdened with additional work.
Union leaders also accused bank management of violating labor laws and High Court orders, making unilateral decisions without consulting employees.
Nationwide Strike to Disrupt Banking Services
As part of the ongoing agitation, Maha Bank employees will go on a nationwide strike on March 20. Banking operations will resume on March 21, followed by regular weekend holidays on March 22 and 23.
From March 24 to 25, as per the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) directive, all bank employees and officers will go on a two-day nationwide strike, leading to a complete shutdown of banking operations.
The union has apologized for the inconvenience but emphasized that the strike is necessary to highlight their demands.
Shirish Rane Extends Full Support to Protesters
During the protest, Shirish Rane, Convener of UFBU Pune and President of Pune District Bank Employees' Association, expressed his solidarity with the protest.
He reaffirmed that the lack of recruitment and increasing contractual hiring are critical issues affecting employees and customers alike.
Protest Receives Nationwide Support
Employees from across Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka participated in the protest, along with representatives from different regions of Maharashtra.
Several union leaders, including Shailesh Tilekar – Union Secretary and Swayamprakash Tiwari – President, played key roles in organizing the event.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has urged Maha Bank’s management to initiate discussions before the situation escalates further. If their demands remain unmet, unions have warned of stronger protests in the future.