The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation staged a dharna in Kolkata and announced a two-day nationwide strike at SBI on May 25 and 26 over multiple employee-related demands.
The protest was organised outside a key SBI administrative office in Kolkata as part of a larger nationwide agitation programme launched by the federation over the past week. Union leaders said more than 100 employees participated in the demonstration.
Federation Raises 16-Point Charter Of Demands
The federation said it is pressing for a 16-point charter of demands, including recruitment of sub-staff, appointment of armed guards, filling vacant positions, and stopping the alleged “mis-selling” of insurance products.
According to the union, aggressive business targets and pressure from management have led to insurance products being sold to customers without proper disclosure or suitability checks.
Employees Allege Agreements Not Implemented
The federation alleged that bilateral mechanisms meant to resolve employee grievances were “not working satisfactorily” and claimed there had been “mal-implementation” or non-implementation of earlier settlements and agreements.
Union representatives said repeated requests to management regarding staffing shortages, workplace pressure, and operational concerns had not been addressed adequately.
Nationwide Protest Campaign Underway
The Kolkata protest forms part of a broader agitation campaign launched by the federation across India. According to reports, employees have already carried out badge-wearing protests, lunchtime demonstrations, social media campaigns, and submission of memoranda to MPs and government authorities.
The next phase of protests will reportedly include candle march processions ahead of the proposed nationwide strike later this month.
Strike To Affect Workmen Category Employees
According to the strike notice issued by the federation, employees belonging to the workmen category and associated with the union will participate in the agitation under provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act.
The federation has not yet announced whether banking operations will face large-scale disruption during the proposed strike period.
Banking Sector Under Pressure
The protests come at a time when public-sector banks are dealing with cost-control measures, increasing digitisation, workforce concerns, and changing operational policies across the banking sector.
Employee unions across various public-sector institutions have recently raised concerns regarding staffing levels, workload pressure, sales targets, and employee welfare measures.
