Banking operations are likely to be hit tomorrow as five public sector bank employee unions have decided to join the general strike called by trade unions to protest against "anti-labour policies" of the government.
Five unions -- All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), and Indian National Bank Officers Congress (INBOC) -- have served notice, saying they will go on one-day strike on September 2.
However, All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) decided to pull out of the strike late in the evening after they got assurance from bank management on some of their demands during the conciliation meeting.
"We have got assurance from Indian Banks' Association for resolution of some issues like pension, terminal benefit, appointment of directors and outsourcing immediately. So we have decided to pull out of the strike," AIBOC General Secretary Harvinder Singh told PTI.
A section of RBI workers and employees are also going on nationwide day-long strike tomorrow.
All India Reserve Bank Employees' Association (AIRBEA) and All India Reserve Bank Workers' Federation in a joint statement said: "Reserve Bank employees all over the country will participate in September 2 industrial strike in support of the demands of the country's working class."
Many banks have already communicated to their customers about likely inconvenience tomorrow.
Most banks, including SBI, feel that in case the strike goes ahead, their services are likely to be impacted.
Bank unions are opposing anti-people banking reforms, privatisation of banks, closure of associate banks and merger with SBI.
There is continuous attempt by the government to push their reforms agenda aimed at privatisation of banks, consolidation and merger of banks and the like, said AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam.
However, National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW) and National Organisation of Bank Officers are not part of the strike.
"As Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is not part of central trade union strike, we as an affiliated organisation are not participating," said NOBW Vice-President Ashwani Rana.
Banks have taken necessary steps to ensure smooth functioning and that there is no cash crunch for retail customers, an official of a public sector bank said.
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