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Bankers on Protest: Nationwide Strike Shuts Down Branches, Demands Job Security and End to Outsourcing
Public sector bank employees, including members of AIBEA, BEFI, AIBOA, and other unions, participated in the all-India strike. Protests were observed in multiple cities to oppose outsourcing, fixed-term employment, and privatisation of banking and insurance sectors.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: 5 hours ago
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On July 9, 2025, Public Sector Bank and insurance employees across the country observed a nationwide general strike to protest anti-labour policies, outsourcing of jobs, and growing job insecurity. The strike was supported by major trade unions including AIBEA, AIBOA, BEFI, AIIEA, GIEAIA, and AILICEF.
Nationwide General Strike
Bank and insurance employees across the country observed a nationwide general strike on 9 July 2025, raising strong opposition to outsourcing and contractual employment practices. Supported by unions like AIBEA, AIIEA, AILICEF, AIBOA, BEFI, and GIEAIA, the strike called for safeguarding permanent jobs and protecting workers' rights.
Image: Poster of the nationwide general strike held on 9 July 2025 demanding an end to outsourcing and contract jobs.
Source: @ChVenkatachalam
Key Demands and Concerns:
Union leaders alleged that government policies are benefitting large corporates while overburdening common people and workers. They opposed the promotion of contractual and fixed-term jobs, criticized excessive work hours, and expressed concern over the dilution of labour laws and trade union rights.
Strike Participation Across Regions:
Mumbai:
Bank employees in Mumbai participated in the strike under the banners of AIBEA-affiliated unions, including the Punjab National Bank Employees Union, Mumbai.
Image: Members of Punjab National Bank Employees Union, Mumbai, affiliated to AIBEA, participate in the July 9 protest.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar:
Employees gathered under the banner of AIBEA in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar as part of the nationwide strike.
Image: Protesters in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar raise demands during the strike
Nanded:
Bank workers gathered in large numbers to voice their demands for job security and oppose the outsourcing of core services.
Image: Protesters in Nanded, Maharashtra
Solapur:
Image: Bank employees protest in Solapur, Maharashtra
Latur:
Protesters assembled outside Bank of Maharashtra’s main branch, holding placards in Marathi.
Image: Bank staff protest in Latur, Maharashtra with regional language placards
Ratnagiri:
Bank employees in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra held a protest under the banners of the AIBEA and Maharashtra State Bank Employees Federation (MSBEF).
Image: Bank staff protest in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra under AIBEA and MSBEF banners
Chennai:
Members of the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) actively participated in the general strike.
Image: BEFI members in Chennai participate in the all-India strike with strong slogans
West Bengal:
In West Bengal and Maharashtra, members of the Union Bank Employees Association actively participated in the all-India strike. Despite heavy rains, employees gathered at various locations, with shutters down and protest banners displayed across branches.
Image: Union Bank employees in West Bengal participate in the strike
LIC Employees in Hosur Join Nationwide Strike
Employees of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in Hosur, Tamil Nadu participated in the all-India strike.
Image: LIC staff in Hosur, Tamil Nadu protest outside their office
The nationwide strike on July 9, 2025, witnessed participation from bank and insurance employees across various states. Demonstrations were held to highlight key demands related to outsourcing and job security. The strike was marked by coordinated efforts from multiple unions and widespread regional involvement.
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