Thousands of Bankers Unite at Jantar Mantar, Raising Voices for Their Rights

New Delhi, 03 March 2025: “We will not step back until our demands are met,” declared a UFBU leader, addressing the bankers who had gathered at Jantar Mantar. The dharna, organised ahead of the nationwide strike on 24-25 March 2025, saw participation from thousands of employees representing various banks and organisations under UFBU’s umbrella.

(A group of AIBOC members joining the dharna with a banner.)  

With slogans echoing through the protest venue, bankers held placards asserting their rights. Leaders from all UFBU constituent organisations stood on stage, affirming their commitment to the agitation. They stressed that the demands, including five-day banking, adequate recruitment, and fair workplace policies, were non-negotiable.

(Bankers from Punjab raise slogans at the protest venue.) 

Why Five-Day Banking Matters

The demand for a five-day banking week has been pending for a long time and remains unfulfilled. According to R. Balaji, President of the National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE), bankers have proposed working 40 minutes extra each day in exchange for a five-day work week. “A settlement was signed on 08 March 2024 during the 12th Bipartite Settlement. Yet, even after a year, it has not been implemented in the banking sector. Today, bank employees face severe work pressure, and over 40 percent are leaving their jobs,” Balaji added.       

At the protest site, Kanal spoke to a group of officers from Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Delhi. Pinaki Mishra, vice president of AIBOC, Delhi State Unit, elaborated on the need for a five-day work week. “A five-day banking system is crucial for work-life balance. Bankers face immense workload and pressure daily. Staff shortage further worsens the burden,” Mishra explained.

(A banker with a placard demanding the implementation of 5-days banking.)

Another officer from the group pointed out that while banks play a crucial role in financial inclusion and implementing welfare schemes, excessive workload often impacts the quality of service. “More recruitment is necessary to ensure smooth operations and better service for customers,” he added.

(The dharna organised by UFBU witnessed massive participation.)

A young officer highlighted another major concern—privatisation threats and a shift in policy focus. “Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are national assets. We provide essential banking services, especially in rural areas. The increasing emphasis on Third Party Products (TPPs) is shifting our focus away from core banking. Without strong PSBs, many rural communities will be left without essential financial services,” he stated.

(Bankers’ Dharna at Jantar Mantar, a view from the stage.) 

Women Bankers Share Their Struggles

A group of women bankers from Noida opened up about the unique challenges they face in the banking sector. Speaking anonymously, they detailed their struggles with work-life balance and late working hours. “Late-night work is common, but for women, it raises concerns about safety and commuting,” said the eldest in the group. “We also have responsibilities at home—taking care of children and elders—which makes it even harder.”

(Bankers joining the dharna with dress code and placards.)

A younger banker shared her personal experience: “I depend on my parents to take care of my children because my husband, also a banker, is posted in another circle.” Another woman officer raised concerns over gender bias in promotions and workload. “When we raise issues about excessive workload and late-night shifts, we are told—‘Why did you opt for a promotion if you can’t balance work and family?’” she said.

The women also expressed strong opposition to the recent court directive imposing taxes on perquisites for bankers. “Transportation allowance is not a freebie; it is reimbursement for work-related travel expenses. The bank management should bear the tax on perquisites, not the employees,” they stated in unison.

(Another picture from UFBU Dharna.)

The Road Ahead: Nationwide Strike on 24-25 March

The leaders of UFBU reaffirmed their stance, making it clear that the upcoming two-day nationwide strike would proceed as planned unless their demands were met. With financial year-end operations at stake, the strike is expected to bring banking services to a standstill for four consecutive days, given the preceding weekend.

Despite repeated appeals, there has been no positive response from the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) or the Department of Financial Services (DFS). Bankers across the country are now gearing up for the next phase of the agitation, determined to press forward until their voices are heard.