Staff strike hits bank services, ATMs go dry

FORUM OF BANK UNIONS IS DEMANDING SUFFICIENT COMPENSATION FOR OVERWORK DURING NOVEMBER LAST YEAR OVER DEMONETISATION AND AGAINST THE CENTRE’S POLICIES

JAIPUR: Most banks in Rajasthan were closed on Tuesday on a strike call issued by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) demanding sufficient compensation for overwork in November last year over demonetisation and against the Centre’s banking policies.

The bank employees demanded reforms in retirement benefits and strict steps for effective collection of bad loans, among others.

UFBU Jaipur convener Mahesh Mishra claimed that business in all public, private, rural, cooperative and foreign banks had come to a standstill and he held the Centre and Indian Bank Association responsible for the strike. In Rajasthan 27,000 employees and officers of 6,440 branches of 48 banks remained on strike and business of ₹ 10,000 crore was affected and the state’s 6,790 ATMS ran out of cash by afternoon, Mishra said.

Despite joint talks with the central chief labour commissioner, the attitude of Indian Bank Association was negative due to which there was no con- sensus on any issue, whereas the demands of unions were justified as per the labour laws, he said.

“Demonetisation has affected all sections of the society, business and economy,” he said.

“People vented out their anger on the bank employees as sufficient cash was not available in banks and at the same time, bank employees despite their willingness could not fulfil the expectation of the people.

“The Reserve Bank of India has lost its autonomy and reputation.“

The UFBU also demanded intensive checking of irregularities during the demonetisation drive in November last year and action against those responsible for such actions.