Imphal: Bank workers in Manipur are heading for a shutdown. The United Forum of Bank Unions, a coalition of seven major labor groups, intends to pull staff off the floor indefinitely starting October 26. Protests began today outside the State Bank of India branch on MG Avenue. More demonstrations will follow on September 28, 29, and 30.
The unions want a five-day work week. They point to a March 2024 agreement with the Indian Banks Association that promised all Saturdays off in exchange for a 40-minute extension to daily shifts. That deal sits in limbo at the Ministry of Finance. Union leaders argue the change maintains service levels, noting, "The unions maintained that five-day banking would not reduce customer service hours, as the additional 40 minutes each working day would compensate for the loss of Saturday banking."
The conflict escalated after conciliation talks on September 8 and 9 failed to yield a government commitment. Officials from the Finance Ministry joined the Chief Labour Commissioner and Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner at those meetings, but nothing changed. The unions now refuse to back down.
Beyond the schedule, the coalition lists a string of demands. They want the Old Pension Scheme restored and higher gratuity ceilings. They also seek pension updates, uniform dearness allowances, and a new Leave Bank. Finally, they insist on hiring more clerical and sub-staff, filling vacant director roles, and having banks pay medical premiums for retirees. The strike means doors will lock and services will vanish across the state.
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