Government Banks to Remain Closed Today, Nationwide Strike by Unions to Disrupt Banking Services

New Delhi: Bank unions have decided to go on a nationwide strike on Friday, September 11, for their pending demands including implementation of five-day-a-week banking system. Due to the strike, work may be affected, especially in the branches of public sector banks. After this, there will be regular bank holidays due to second Saturday on 12th September and Sunday on 13th September. At the same time, in some states there is also a holiday of Ganesh Chaturthi on 14th September. In such a situation, banking services may be affected in many places for four consecutive days.

Why have bank unions called a strike?

The major demands of bank employee organisations include implementation of five-day banking system a week and resolution of other pending issues. Regarding these demands, bank unions have decided to go on strike on September 11. The strike is likely to have the biggest impact on the regular work in bank branches.

Will banks remain closed for four consecutive days?

There is a strike on Friday, 11th September. Banks will remain closed the next day on 12th September as it will be second Saturday and on 13th September it will be Sunday. Apart from this, in some states there will also be a bank holiday on 14th September on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Due to this, the work of bank branches in some states may be affected for four consecutive days. However, the holiday on September 14 will not be the same across the country and will depend on state-wise bank holidays.

Which banking services may be affected?

Due to the strike, cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque-related operations, bank account-related services and other branch-level operations may be affected in bank branches. The bank management has said that alternative arrangements will be made to continue essential services, but there may be a possibility of delay in some services.

In particular, there is a possibility of impact on cash availability and check clearing. Customers who have to go to the branch to do important work have been advised to make their plans keeping this in mind.

Will ATM and online banking services remain closed?

The main impact of the strike is likely to be on the functioning of bank branches. Banks make necessary arrangements to continue normal services like digital banking, mobile banking and ATM. However, due to frequent holidays and strikes, there may be temporary disruption in cash availability or technical services at some places.

Will public sector banks also be affected?

Most of the public sector banks including State Bank of India have already informed their customers about the strike. Banks have advised customers to complete important branch related work in advance, as regular banking services may be affected during the strike.

What precautions should customers take?

Those who have to go to the bank to withdraw cash, deposit a cheque, get a bank draft made or any other important work related to the branch, should try to settle it in advance. Also, in view of consecutive holidays, it would be better to plan the necessary cash and payments in advance.