Bank operations hit as two-day strike begins

Bank operations across Telangana, particularly services that customers access through branches, were impacted as thousands of bank employees participated in a two-day nationwide strike that began on Monday against privatisation.

From making enquiries, opening accounts, deposit and withdrawal of cash to seeking loans, little work was possible as branches remained closed for customers in the backdrop of the staff responding overwhelmingly to the call given by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). Cheque clearing as well as government (treasury) work also could not be carried out, multiple sources said. UFBU convenor for Telangana R. Sriram said employees and officers, up to pay scale III, of public sector banks as well as those of regional rural banks and old generation private sector banks participated in the strike. He said an estimated 90% of the over 45,000 bank staff in the State were part of the strike against the 2021-22 Budget proposal that two public sector banks will be privatised.