Bharat Bandh updates: Banking services like deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and instrument issuance are expected to be impacted due to the strike
Ten central trade unions have called for Bharat Bandh, a nationwide strike, today against government’s “disinvestment, privatisation and labour reform policies”. Central trade unions like INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various bank employee associations, including AIBEA, All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA), BEFI, INBEF, INBOC and Bank Karmachari Sena Mahasangh (BKSM) will be participating in the strike. Banking, transport and other services across the country are likely to be hit today. However, services at private sector banks are unlikely to be impacted.
Trade unions feel that the government is disrespectful towards workers in its “policy and action.” One of the key demands of the unions has been to increase the minimum wages of workers. This is the fourth nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions since the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government came to power in 2014. Meanwhile, in Kerala, the trade unions exempted the state’s tourism sector from today’s general strike.
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Protesting trade unions’ demands include a minimum pension of Rs 6,000 for everyone, minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, adequate supply of ration to people.
Banking services impacted due to nationwide trade union strike
Banking services were impacted on Wednesday as employees went on a nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions to protest against the government’s “anti-people” policies. Branch activities including cash withdrawal deposit in public sector banks in many places across the country have been affected due to the strike.
Most of the lenders had informed their customers in advance about the strike call given by All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA), BEFI, INBEF, INBOC and Bank Karmachari Sena Mahasangh (BKSM), and its impact on banking services.
Trade unions’ strike hits road, rail traffic in parts of Bengal
Road and rail blockades were reported from several parts of West Bengal on Wednesday as trade union activists along with Left and Congress supporters picketed in support of the 24-hour general strike against the Centre’s “anti-people” policies.
