NEW DELHI — The proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30 has been deferred after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) held late-night talks with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) on Sunday.
The decision was taken after a meeting between the two sides began at 9:30 pm on September 27.
The main issue discussed was the unions’ demand for a five-day banking week, including holidays on all Saturdays. Other pending demands raised by the unions were also discussed.
The IBA and UFBU have agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the Saturday holiday demand and work towards a settlement.
The strike would have covered September 28, 29 and 30, with the final day coinciding with the half-yearly closing of bank accounts.
The government had earlier allowed public sector banks and regional rural banks to remain open on Sunday, September 27, ahead of the proposed strike and the half-yearly closing.
With the strike deferred, bank branches are not expected to face the three-day shutdown that had been announced by the unions.
The five-day banking week demand, however, remains under discussion and has not been finally settled. ( Agency)
