Bank Workers Organization asks govt to take responsibility of inconvenience due to bank strike

Ahead of the bank strike to be held on Tuesday, Vice President of the National Organization of Bank Workers, Ashwani Rana said the government should take responsibility of any inconvenience caused to customers due to the non-operation of banks on account of the strike.

"Government and some other authorities have been saying for a long time that they will merge some banks. However, no constructive action has been taken yet. If such a proposal exists, it should be made clear to the stakeholders and management. A notice was sent on August 3, but there has been no response so far. We want clarity on the matter," Rana told ANI.

The strike, Rana said, is being staged as a means of opposing the government's privatization policies, which is putting the banks under pressure. Further, he said employees were not given remuneration for working overtime during the demonetisation phase.

"The strike is being conducted to oppose privatization policies of the government. Also, during the demonetization drive, employees who worked overtime have not been compensated yet. While many bank employees are retiring this year, there are not enough people being hired to replace them, thus weakening the manpower," he said.

Over 10 lakh bank workers, representing nine public sector bank unions, who function under the United Forum of Banks Union, will be going on a one-day strike on Tuesday.

While operations will be affected, it is reported that ATMs and private sector banks will function as normal.