New Delhi, Delhi

There is important news for bank customers. In view of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike starting September 28, branches of public sector banks have been directed to remain open on Sunday. The decision aims to give customers an opportunity to complete essential banking work before the strike begins.

Bank employee unions have called for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28. Normal operations at several bank branches are expected to be affected during the strike. Customers of public sector banks and old private-sector banks have therefore been advised to complete important banking transactions before the strike.

According to the United Forum of Bank Unions, the organisation represents around 90 percent of bank employees in the country. Bank employee unions are protesting over demands including the implementation of a five-day banking week, pension reforms and other employee welfare issues.

Considering the inconvenience that customers may face, public sector banks have been directed to keep their branches open on Sunday. This will provide relief to customers who need to carry out banking activities that require a branch visit, including cash deposits and withdrawals.

The State Bank of India has advised customers to complete important banking work in advance. The bank has also encouraged customers to use services such as YONO, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI, ATMs and cash deposit machines.

Bank of India has also advised customers to make use of digital services and its 24-hour banking platforms. This will allow customers to carry out several routine banking transactions online even if branch operations are affected during the strike.

The impact of the strike on new-generation private banks is expected to be different. Private banks such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank may continue to operate normally. However, customers should check the availability of their respective branches in advance if they have any urgent branch-related work.

The Ministry of Finance has appealed to bank employee unions to resolve pending issues through dialogue. The government has urged the unions to address their demands and outstanding matters through discussions.

In view of the proposed bank strike, the most important advice for customers is to complete essential banking work in advance. Customers who need to visit a branch can take advantage of the Sunday opening, while routine transactions can be carried out through UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs and other digital services.

The opening of government bank branches on Sunday therefore provides customers with an additional opportunity to complete their banking work before the strike. Completing important transactions in advance can help customers avoid potential inconvenience during the strike.