Lucknow: Bank employees across the city staged a symbolic protest by wearing black ribbons while continuing their duties, as part of an ongoing nationwide agitation demanding the implementation of a five-day banking week and opposing recent policy decisions related to the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
According to Anil Srivastava, District Convenor of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), bank employees had earlier undertaken an extended struggle, including a nationwide strike on January 27, to press for a five-day work week in banks. However, the demand remains unaddressed by the central government, prompting renewed protests.
Srivastava further stated that the government has issued directions to implement the PLI scheme for Scale IV officers and above, including top management, in what unions describe as an arbitrary manner. He alleged that this move bypasses the ongoing conciliation process and signals a direct confrontation with UFBU, leaving employees with no option but to intensify their agitation.
As part of the protest, bank employees have resumed a strict “work to rule” approach. This means they will adhere only to prescribed working hours and official duties, refraining from any additional or voluntary work. Employees have also decided to exit official WhatsApp groups, avoid participation in institutional events, and not respond to management calls beyond working hours, particularly after 6 pm.
Union representatives added that employees from various bank branches will submit memorandums to the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC), Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), and the Department of Financial Services (DFS), outlining their demands.
Meanwhile, Anil Tiwari, media in-charge of the forum, informed that the protest will continue in phases. On May 2 (first Saturday), employees will wear black badges, followed by a more intensified demonstration on May 16 (third Saturday), when union members and activists will wear black attire as a mark of protest.
Protest meetings are also planned across centres, with unions indicating that further strikes and intensified agitation programmes may be announced if their demands are not met.
