Appeal to Employees of Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks for Ensuring Uninterrupted Banking Services
The Government has appealed to employees of Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks to ensure uninterrupted banking services and refrain from proposed strikes. While unions called for strikes over five-day banking and the Performance Linked Incentive scheme, the Government has already kept the PLI scheme in abeyance and highlighted numerous welfare measures taken for bank employees.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for candidates preparing for banking and government exams to understand the relationship between public sector bank unions, recent demands like five-day banking, and government welfare measures.
In Simple Words
Bank unions called for strikes demanding five-day banking and the withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive scheme. The Government responded by keeping the PLI scheme in abeyance and holding conciliation talks.
Despite this, strikes were held and more are proposed over the single demand of a five-day workweek. The Government has highlighted several employee welfare measures, such as salary hikes, increased staff welfare funds, and improved recruitment, urging employees to avoid disruptions.
Key Points
- Unions called for strikes demanding five-day banking and withdrawal of the PLI scheme.
- The Government kept the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in abeyance.
- A one-day strike was held on 11.09.2026, with a three-day strike scheduled from 28.09.2026 to 30.09.2026.
- PSBs recruited ~4,82,800 employees from FY 2014-15 to FY 2025-26.
- Staff Welfare Fund (SWF) was enhanced by 56% in August 2024.
- The 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month were declared public holidays for PSBs in 2015.
- Negotiations for the upcoming Bipartite Settlement have begun well in advance of November 2027.
- The proposed 3-day strike coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks on 30th September.
Exam Angle
A. After detailed discussion in response to the unions' demands.
Source: Press Information Bureau