Gujarat Bank Employees to Stage Major Strike on February 12 Over Labour Code Protests
In a significant move, employees across public sector banks in Gujarat will observe a strike on Thursday, February 12, responding to a nationwide call by Central Trade Unions. This industrial action is part of a broader general strike protesting the implementation of four contentious labour codes, with unions demanding their immediate withdrawal.
Widespread Impact on Banking Operations in the State
The strike is anticipated to severely disrupt banking services across Gujarat, affecting the functioning of 3,678 branches of nationalised banks. Approximately 25,000 employees are expected to participate, bringing daily operations to a near-standstill. In addition to public sector banks, employees of Federal Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Karnataka Bank, and IDBI Bank will also join the strike, amplifying its reach.
According to union estimates, transactions worth around Rs 15,000 crore in Gujarat will be impacted, highlighting the economic ramifications of this widespread protest. Janak Rawal, general secretary of the Maha Gujarat Bank Employees' Association (MGBEA), outlined the planned activities, stating, "As part of the agitation, bank employees will hold a demonstration on February 11 near UCO Bank at Ashram Road. On February 12, all Central Trade Unions will organise a rally at 11 am from Ellisbridge (opposite Town Hall) to Nehru Bridge, which will be converted into a human chain."
Key Demands Driving the Strike Action
The unions have articulated a comprehensive list of immediate demands, central to which is the scrapping of the four labour codes and associated rules. Other critical demands include:
- Strengthening of nationalised banks to ensure their stability and public service role.
- Adequate recruitment in banks to address staffing shortages and improve service delivery.
- Withdrawal of the National Pension System in favour of reinstating the Old Pension Scheme for employee security.
- Recovery of bad loans to enhance financial health and accountability.
- Opposition to the privatisation of public sector banks, advocating for continued public ownership.
- Withdrawal of the decision allowing 100% foreign direct investment in insurance companies, citing concerns over domestic control.
This strike underscores growing discontent among bank employees over policy changes perceived as detrimental to their interests and the public banking sector. The protest in Gujarat mirrors similar actions across India, as trade unions rally against what they view as anti-worker reforms. The disruption is likely to inconvenience customers and businesses, with potential delays in transactions and banking services during the strike period.
