Summary of this article
SBI staff federation threatens two-day nationwide strike from May 25
Employee union demands recruitment, pension changes, and board representation
Banking services may face disruption due to holidays, strike
Banking operations at the State Bank of India (SBI) may face disruption later this month as employees under the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) have threatened to go on a two-day nationwide strike beginning May 25.
The proposed strike has been called to press for several demands, including the recruitment of adequate staff across bank branches and offices. If the strike takes place, customers may experience service disruptions for up to five consecutive days because May 24 is the fourth Saturday and May 25 is Sunday, both regular bank holidays.
In addition, several states are expected to observe a holiday on May 27 on account of Eid al-Adha, extending the impact on banking services in some regions.
Key Demands Raised By Union
In a statement, AISBISF has stated that they demand immediate recruitment across various categories, including clerical staff, messengers, and armed guards. According to the federation, staff shortages are affecting branch operations and increasing pressure on existing employees.
The union has also sought changes related to the pension fund manager option available to employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
Another major demand relates to outsourcing. The federation said the bank should stop outsourcing permanent jobs, claiming that such practices could increase the risk of data leaks, misuse, fraud, and identity theft. The union has also expressed that outsourcing sensitive work may expose customers and the bank to operational and reputational risks.
Representation On SBI Board
AISBISF has raised concerns over the appointment of the Workmen's Employee Director on the SBI board. According to the federation, the appointment should be made from a panel submitted by the representative union, but the process has not been followed.
The union alleged that employees have been denied representation at the highest level of decision-making within the bank. It described the delay in appointing the employee director as unacceptable and against the spirit of employee participation.
Conciliation Meeting Scheduled
To avoid the strike, the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner is expected to hold a conciliation meeting on May 23 with representatives of both the union and SBI management.
Customers are advised to monitor updates from the bank and the union over the coming days, especially regarding branch services and transaction facilities during the proposed strike period.
FAQs
When is the proposed SBI strike scheduled?
The proposed nationwide SBI strike is scheduled for May 25 and May 26.Why are SBI employees planning to go on strike?
The union has raised demands related to staff recruitment, outsourcing, pension issues, and employee representation on the SBI board.Will banking services be affected during the strike?
If the strike takes place, branch operations and some banking services may face disruptions across several parts of the country.
