Agartala, September 11: Banking services were affected across Tripura on Friday as bank employees joined a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), pressing for a five-day banking week and several other demands.
The main demand of the bank employees is the introduction of a five-day working week, with Saturdays and Sundays observed as holidays. Various bank employee unions have been raising the demand for several years.
The strike affected branch-level banking services in different parts of the country, including Tripura. Employees of several banks participated in the agitation.
Bank unions said a five-day banking week is needed to reduce workload and improve work-life balance for employees. They also argued that better working conditions would contribute to improved banking services over time.
According to the unions, discussions with the authorities over their demands have continued for a long period. They said the absence of a full resolution led them to resort to another nationwide strike.
Customers faced difficulties at bank branches during the strike. Digital banking services, ATMs and other online facilities continued to operate, providing some relief, although branch-based services remained disrupted.
The unions said they would continue their movement until their demands are addressed.
