Banking services, particularly at public sector banks, were affected across India on Friday after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) called a nationwide strike to press for  the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek and resolve pending wage-related issues.

The UFBU is an umbrella body of seven unions representing 90% of bank officers and employees. The strike did not impact the functioning of private sector banks.

Most branches of public sector banks were either completely or partially closed as employees and officers observed the strike.

Cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances and administrative work were affected at branches of most public sector banks. Some old-generation private sector banks were also impacted.

However, digital banking services, including UPI and internet banking, continued to function.

"Since there was no positive outcome and the government did not agree to our demand, this strike is forced on us. Bank employees and officers are highly aggrieved that they alone are being discriminated against," the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), a constituent of UFBU, general secretary C H Venkatachalam told PTI.

The unions are demanding that all Saturdays be declared holidays. The proposal was reportedly agreed upon in the 12th Bipartite Settlement signed with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in March 2024, but is awaiting government notification.

Currently, banks remain open on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The other demands include updation and improvement of pension, a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the Old Pension Scheme.