Are Bank Trade Unions Ready to Strike Nationwide on Wednesday?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide strike planned by bank unions.
- Potential disruptions in banking and other sectors.
- Unions protesting against government policies.
- Demands include job creation and wage increases.
- Strike was previously postponed.
New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) Millions of bank employees throughout India are gearing up for a nationwide strike on Wednesday, as stated by a coalition of trade unions.
This strike, instigated by a coalition of 10 central trade unions, has the potential to disrupt essential services in industries such as banking, insurance, coal mining, postal services, construction, and regional transportation across multiple states.
Bank of Baroda, in a recent stock exchange report, indicated that banking services may face interruptions nationwide on Wednesday, as prominent bank unions are preparing to participate in this general strike.
The public sector bank cautioned its clients that services at branches across the country could be impacted if the strike proceeds as planned.
The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), and the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) are among the unions that have called for this nationwide strike.
Additionally, General Secretaries from the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), the All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) have informed the Indian Banks Association about the planned strike on July 9.
Reports indicate that the unions have organized this strike in response to the government's pro-corporate policies, recent changes in labor laws, and the privatization of public sector enterprises.
The unions are demanding that the government take immediate action to address their concerns, which include filling vacant sanctioned positions, creating more job opportunities, increasing MNREGA workdays, and enhancing wage increments.
This strike was initially scheduled for May but was delayed due to national events.
The forum has issued a call for workers to ensure that the nationwide general strike is a grand success. Last year, it presented a charter of 17 demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandavia, as stated in their recent announcement.