Bank Employees Hold Nationwide Demonstrations, Demand Immediate Implementation of Five-Day Banking
Jammu, August 12, 2026: Bank employees and officers across the country held demonstrations on Wednesday demanding the immediate implementation of a five-day banking week.
In Jammu, a demonstration was organised at Bahu Plaza under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) as part of the nationwide programme. The protest was held after office hours and followed a nationwide strike observed on January 27, 2026, over the same demand.
Addressing the gathering, Rajesh Mehta, Secretary, All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), J&K and Ladakh, said that the demand for a five-day banking week was neither new nor unreasonable. He said bank employees and officers had been awaiting implementation of an understanding reached through the established collective bargaining process.
Mehta said the Indian banking workforce had consistently supported the country during financial crises, demonetisation, the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of various government schemes.
“Five-day banking is now a question of fairness, dignity of labour and a modern working environment. We urge the Government to honour the commitment without any further delay,” he said.
The representatives maintained that banking services have undergone significant changes with the expansion of digital banking, ATMs, mobile banking, internet banking and electronic payment systems. They argued that these facilities enable customers to access essential banking services round the clock and that a five-day banking system can therefore be implemented while maintaining customer convenience and operational efficiency.
The demonstrators also expressed concern over the continued delay in approving the proposal. They warned that prolonged uncertainty over an issue that has already been negotiated could lead to growing resentment among bank employees and officers.
According to the AIBOC J&K and Ladakh, UFBU has indicated that its constituent unions may decide on the further course of action, including strike action, if the matter remains unresolved.
The Jammu demonstration was attended by Rakesh (PNB), Puneet (Canara Bank) and Naresh (BOB), besides a large number of bank employees and officers from different banks.
The gathering unanimously appealed to the Government of India to accord immediate approval for declaring all Saturdays as holidays in the banking industry and implement the five-day banking week without further delay.
