Banking services across Himachal Pradesh and other parts of India were disrupted on Tuesday as employees took part in a one-day strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The strike seeks the swift implementation of a five-day work week for bank staff.
The disruption was compounded by consecutive holidays—the fourth Saturday, Sunday, and Republic Day—which had already slowed banking operations. Customers in Shimla and other cities reported difficulties in depositing cheques and accessing services at branches including SBI and UCO Bank.
The unions are protesting the delay in enforcing an agreement signed with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in March 2024, which proposed that all Saturdays be declared holidays. At present, banks remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays, resulting in a six-day work week for two weeks every month.
According to the UFBU, a five-day week is already standard at institutions such as the RBI, LIC, and most government offices. The unions have suggested extending working hours by around 40 minutes from Monday to Friday to maintain the total weekly hours. The strike, which lasted from midnight January 26 to midnight January 27, affected cash transactions, cheque clearing, and branch operations across the country.
