Chandigarh: Bank employees stage protest in Sec 17, seek five-day work week

They pointed out that customers already have uninterrupted access to banking services on Saturdays and Sundays through digital platforms

The bank employees under the banner of United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) held an agitation for its demand of five days a week work at Bank Square, Sector 17, on Monday. The agitation was part of its nationwide agitation.

Bank employees holding an agitation in Sector 17, Chandigarh, on Monday. (Keshav Singh/HT)

UFBU reiterated that the demand is both reasonable and overdue. At present, over 99% of banking transactions are conducted through digital channels such as UPI, mobile banking, internet banking and ATMs. Customers already have uninterrupted access to banking services on Saturdays and Sundays through these alternative digital platforms. Hence, a five-day banking week will in no way affect public convenience.

UFBU leaders pointed out that central, state, government institutions and regulatory bodies, including the Reserve Bank of India, are already working under five day work-week models, recognising the importance of productivity, efficiency and work-life balance. Addressing the gathering, UFBU leaders warned that continued delay is unjustified and discriminatory, particularly when similar benefits have been extended to other sectors. UFBU warned of intensifying the agitation in case five-day work week model is not opted.