IIOJK bank employees hold protest against Indian govt’s apathy towards their demands

Jammu: Thousands of bank employees staged protests in different banks across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, expressing their dissatisfaction with the Indian government’s policies.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Vishal Verma, President of the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), and Rajesh Mehta, Secretary of AIBOC, led the protest in Jammu. The protest was organized under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).

The protesters raised several key demands aimed at improving both customer service and employee welfare. Addressing the protesters, union leaders pointed out that during the March 2024 settlement, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the unions had reached an agreement to implement a five-day workweek, with a formal recommendation sent to the government for approval. However, nearly a year has passed, and the government has yet to notify this change.

The protesters also raised concerns about the need for permanent recruitment across all cadres. They emphasized that a robust workforce not only ensures better customer service but also alleviates the work pressure on existing staff, ultimately improving the quality of banking operations.

Other concerns highlighted included the urgent need to address the rising workload in branches due to staff shortages, ensuring fair and transparent policies regarding promotions, transfers, and employee welfare, and opposing any attempts at unfair labor practices and further privatization within the banking sector.

Union leaders stated that if their demands are not addressed, they will intensify their protests in the coming weeks.