Banking operations, especially at public sector banks, faced disruptions across the country on Friday as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) staged a nationwide strike demanding the immediate rollout of a five-day workweek and resolution of long-pending wage issues.
The UFBU, an umbrella body representing seven unions, speaks for around 90 percent of bank officers and staff nationwide. Private sector banks remained largely unaffected by the strike.
Public sector bank branches saw either full or partial shutdowns as employees and officers took part in the protest. Services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and administrative functions were hit at numerous branches. A few older private sector banks also experienced some level of disruption.
