A three-day nationwide bank strike has been announced from September 28 to 30, and there may be losses in banking services at branches.
Banks prepare alternative arrangements
In the event of the strike, the Finance Ministry has directed the public sector banks and the regional rural banks (RRB) to draw up contingency measures that would ensure the sustenance of critical banking services. The banks have been directed to ensure availability of cash at ATMs/business correspondents’ outlets and reduce the crowd at branches by using alternative channels. SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, and other pubic sector banks have issued advisories on social media, urging their customers to complete the branch-dependent transactions before the strike.
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Digital banking services can help
During the disruption, customers who require availing regular banking services will be able to access the facility through internet banking, mobile banking, UPI, ATMs, and other digital channels. Customers are advised to use ATMs, coin/currency deposit & withdrawal machines, customer service points, YONO, and digital banking channels for transactions.
How can customers minimize inconvenience?
Customers have time to take some precautions before September 28. They should complete urgent work in the branch, keep adequate cash ready for expenses, check the functioning of mobile/Internet banking and UPI, and go through the recent advisory of your bank for the latest information on your bank’s services.
What should customers watch for?
The strike is being held in response to bank union demands, ranging from a five-day working week to other employment issues. The government and banking regulators, who are also working on options to ensure the delivery of the minimum services, have also been engaged in rounds of talks with the bank unions. For customers, the sensible thing to do is to carry out time-sensitive branch transactions before the strike and use alternate means of digital and ATM channels during the strike.
