Bank employees across the country went on a nationwide strike on Monday, pressing for the long-pending demand for a five-day banking week. The protest, supported by various banking unions, highlighted concerns over work-life balance, humane working hours, and parity with other government institutions.
Union leaders stated that while most government offices follow a five-day work schedule, bank employees continue to work longer weeks despite mounting workloads and stress. They argued that a five-day work week is not a luxury but a basic requirement for dignity, efficiency, and well-being, in line with constitutional values of equality and humane working conditions.
Raising questions over continued delays, unions asked how long the legitimate demand would remain unaddressed by the government. “Bankers are humans, not machines,” union representatives said, emphasizing that improved work conditions would also lead to better productivity and customer service.
The strike disrupted banking services in several parts of the country, with unions reiterating that the agitation would continue until the demand for a five-day banking week is taken seriously by the authorities.
