Agartala, September 11: Several bank branches across Tripura remained affected on Friday as employees participated in a nationwide strike demanding a five-day working week, disrupting counter services and causing inconvenience to customers.
The strike was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which represents a number of banking employee organisations. Employees in Agartala and other parts of Tripura joined the agitation, resulting in disruption of regular branch operations.
Customers seeking to deposit or withdraw cash, submit documents, process loans or access other services requiring interaction with bank officials were among those affected. Several transactions were either delayed or deferred due to the absence of staff.
The unions have demanded that banks observe Saturdays and Sundays as weekly holidays. They have argued that limiting the working week to five days would help employees cope with workload, improve work-life balance and enhance productivity.
The strike did not completely halt banking facilities, as digital services remained operational. Customers were able to use ATMs, mobile applications and internet banking for several routine transactions, reducing the impact on those able to access electronic services.
According to union leaders, the five-day week has been a longstanding demand and has been raised repeatedly in negotiations with the authorities. They said the lack of a final agreement had led banking employees to intensify their campaign.
The UFBU has argued that the demand should be considered in the context of changes taking place across the banking sector. With technology increasingly handling routine transactions, employee organisations believe that working conditions and staffing patterns also need to be reviewed.
Union representatives said a five-day schedule could enable employees to get adequate weekly rest and return to work with greater efficiency. They also maintained that improved working conditions could have a positive impact on customer service.
The strike has renewed the debate over the working calendar of banks at a time when customers are increasingly shifting towards digital payment and banking services. However, branch-based services continue to remain important for customers requiring cash handling, documentation and specialised assistance.
The unions have indicated that they may intensify their agitation if there is no progress on the demand. They have urged the authorities to resume discussions and work towards a mutually acceptable decision.
For Tripura customers, the disruption was particularly noticeable at physical branches, while those using digital banking channels were able to continue several essential transactions.
Bank branches are expected to resume regular functioning after the strike, although employee organisations said their campaign for a five-day working week would continue until a decision is reached.
