SBI Advises Customers to Use Digital Services Amidst Planned Staff Strike
Quick Look
- SBI urges its 52 crore customers to use ATMs, YONO, and UPI services due to a planned two-day staff strike starting May 25.
- The strike could impact operations for five days, with staff demanding recruitment and pension policy changes.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
SBI has advised its customers to use alternative transaction methods due to a planned two-day staff strike. The strike, scheduled for May 25, is organized by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation.
SBI customers are urged to use ATMs, customer service points, and online services like YONO and UPI. A two-day staff strike is planned for May 25. Efforts are underway to provide essential services in branches. The strike, if it proceeds, could impact operations for five days. Staff demands include recruitment and changes to pension policies.
Mumbai: The country's largest lender SBI on Friday advised customers to use alternative mediums for transactions after a strike call by staff for early next week.
SBI has requested its over 52 crore customers to use automated teller machines, customer service points, and prefer online banking services like YONO and UPI by the lender.
Also Read: SBI staff threatens to go on two-day nationwide strike from May 25
The bank, which holds about a fifth of the share in the country's overall banking activities, said efforts are on to provide "essential services" in over 23,200 branches, as per a post on its handle on the micro-blogging platform 'X'.
It said the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has given a notice for a two-day strike starting May 25.
"We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused," the post from SBI said.
The staff has threatened the strike to press for various demands, including the recruitment of adequate employees.
If the strike materialises, it will affect SBI's banking operations nationwide for five days, as the fourth Saturday and Sunday fall before the strike date.
Besides, there will be a holiday in many states on account of Eid al-Adha on May 27, a day after the proposed strike ends.
Also Read: SBI Mutual Fund stake in Bandhan Bank crosses 5 pc
The staff demands also include recruitment of messengers and armed guards, a change of pension fund manager option to NPS Employees, as per an AISBISF statement.
The body also demanded that the bank stop outsourcing permanent jobs, as it creates a direct risk of data leaks, misuse, fraud, and identity theft, endangering customer trust and exposing the bank to severe reputational and legal consequences.
Another demand concerns the appointment of the workmen's employee director on the board.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The strike will impact SBI operations for five days due to the proximity of the weekend and a public holiday.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will the strike proceed as planned?
- What is the bank's response to the staff's demands?
- How many branches will be fully operational?
- What specific pension policy changes are being demanded?
