State Bank of India (SBI) staff will go on a two‑day strike on May 25 and 26, following a notice issued by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF).
The strike is expected to disrupt branch operations across the country for five consecutive days, as May 23 and 24 are holidays and May 27 marks Eid al-Adha in most states.
SBI issued a customer advisory urging people to use ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs), Customer Service Points (CSPs), internet banking, YONO, mobile banking, UPI, and other digital channels during the strike period. The bank said it regrets any inconvenience caused but assured that efforts are being made to maintain essential services.
The AISBISF union has raised several demands, including the recruitment of messengers and armed guards, changes in the Pension Fund Manager option for NPS employees, and stopping the outsourcing of permanent jobs. The union warned that outsourcing could lead to data leaks, fraud, misuse, and identity theft, damaging customer trust and exposing the bank to reputational risks.
Another demand is the appointment of a Workmen’s Employee Director on the SBI board, a right the union claims has been consistently denied despite provisions for representation.
The Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner will hold a conciliation meeting on May 23 with the union and management to seek common ground and possibly avert the strike.
