Chennai, Sept 25:
Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across the country will function normally on Sunday, September 27, to help customers complete essential banking transactions ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30.
The decision has been taken by the Centre in view of the strike call given by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). September 26 is the fourth Saturday and September 27 is normally a Sunday holiday. With the proposed strike beginning on September 28, customers could otherwise face disruption in branch banking services for five consecutive days.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of all bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27. The additional working day is intended to provide customers an opportunity to complete urgent banking work before the strike.
The UFBU has called the three-day strike from September 28 to 30, with the implementation of a five-day working week among its key demands. Conciliation talks have been held with the unions, but the strike call remains in place. The government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike.
Customers have therefore been advised to make use of the additional working day on Sunday for branch-related transactions. Digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking and UPI are also expected to provide an alternative for routine transactions during any disruption to physical banking services.