Nationwide bank strike announced for March 24th and 25th called off, but banks will remain closed on these five days

NEW DELHI: The strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), a coalition of nine trade unions, on March 24 and 25 has been called off. The new announcement comes after the trade unions held talks with the Central Labour Commissioner. The strike was called off after the Central Labour Commissioner assured in the talks that the demands of the workers would be considered.

The UFBU had called for the strike on the demand of appointing staff as per requirement in all posts, making contract and temporary employees permanent, implementing five-day banking, and amending the Gratuity Act. The demands also include amending the Gratuity Act and keeping IDBI Bank under government ownership. Although the strike has been postponed, banks will remain closed for five days in the next 10 days due to the fourth Saturday and Sunday of 22 and 23, Sunday of March 30, Eid al-Fitr on 31 and April 1 because of annual accounts closing.