Will banks remain closed on 24-25 February? Union threatens strike

Banks On Strike / Will banks remain closed on 24-25 February? Union threatens strike

Banks On Strike - Will banks remain closed on 24-25 February? Union threatens strike

Banks On Strike: All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) has threatened a nationwide strike on 24 and 25 February 2025. This strike will be mainly over the major demands of bank officers. The Confederation has demanded five working days a week and adequate recruitment in all cadres. Apart from this, the instructions issued recently by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) on review of working performance and performance based incentive (PLI) have also been demanded to be withdrawn immediately.

Objection to performance based incentive

The Confederation says that the PLI system implemented by DFS may threaten the job security of the employees and it creates inequality among the employees. They believe that such policies can harm the unity of employees in public sector banks.

Other demands of bank union

AIBOC has demanded prompt filling of the posts of employee / officer directors in public sector banks. Apart from this, emphasis has also been laid on resolving the pending issues with the Indian Banks Association (IBA).

AIBOC said in its statement that the Executive Committee has passed a resolution for a two-day nationwide strike. This strike can be held on 24 and 25 February 2025. The Confederation has made it clear that if needed, they can take even more stringent steps.

Agitation preparations

Agitation related activities will start after the strike notice is issued. The Confederation has alleged that excessive interference by the Department of Financial Services in the policy matters of public sector banks is affecting the autonomy of the boards of banks. This interference undermines the independent decision-making process of banks.

List of Bank Holidays in January 2025

Many bank holidays are scheduled in various states across the country in January 2025. Banks will remain closed in Chandigarh on January 6 on the occasion of Shri Guru Govind Singh Jayanti. Banks will remain closed in Aizawl and Imphal on January 11 on the occasion of Missionary Day/Imoinu Iratpa.

Banks will remain closed in many states including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Itanagar on January 14 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu and Hazrat Ali's birthday. Banks will remain closed in Chennai on January 15 and 16 on account of Thiruvalluvar Day and Uzhavar Thirunal.

Apart from this, banks will remain closed in Kolkata, Agartala and Bhubaneswar on January 23 on the occasion of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will announce holidays for the month of February till January 31.

Possible impact of bank strike

If the strike proposed by AIBOC takes place, it may affect the banking services of the country. The two-day strike may cause trouble to account holders in cash withdrawal, check clearance, and other banking services. The Confederation has appealed to the government and the management of banks to take their demands seriously and take positive steps so that the strike does not come to an end.

This move of the Confederation highlights the growing tension in the banking sector. If the government and bank management do not take timely action, even bigger agitations can be seen after the strike.