Will banks work on Tuesday? Public sector banking ops likely to be hit as unions strike for 5-day week

Core Viewpoint - A nationwide strike by bank unions in India is set to disrupt operations at public sector banks, demanding the implementation of a five-day work week, which they claim was agreed upon in a previous settlement but has not been enacted by the government [5][8][9] Group 1: Impact on Banking Services - Branch-level services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and administrative work at public sector banks like State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda are expected to be significantly affected [3][8] - Major private sector banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, are anticipated to remain largely unaffected as their employees are not part of the striking unions, and digital banking services will continue to function, although ATM cash availability may face localized issues [4][8] Group 2: Reasons for the Strike - The unions are advocating for all Saturdays to be declared holidays, a demand they assert was agreed upon during the 12th Bipartite Settlement with the Indian Banks' Association in March 2024, but has yet to be officially recognized by the government [5][9] - Union leaders emphasize that the strike is intended to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the banking system rather than inconvenience customers, arguing that a balanced workforce is essential for financial stability [6][8] Group 3: Communication from Banks - Several public sector banks, including SBI, have communicated to stock exchanges about the potential impact of the strike, indicating that while they have made arrangements for normal operations, disruptions are likely [7][8]