The last-minute deferment of the UFBU strike scheduled for September 28–30 has left many bank employees disappointed and questioning the decision.
Social media discussions reflect mixed reactions. Some employees have urged members to remain united and avoid targeting local or regional union leaders, pointing out that the decision was taken at the national level.
Others have questioned the timing of the decision, the need for another committee on five-day banking, and the lack of a clear timeline for implementation. Some members are also demanding greater accountability from the top leadership and suggesting that those seeking change should participate in union elections and take responsibility.
A common sentiment is that questioning union decisions should not be treated as opposition to the union. Employees want clarity on what was agreed during the late-night discussions and what concrete steps will now follow.
The strike may have been deferred, but the debate over five-day banking, accountability and union leadership continues among bank employees.
What Bank Employees Are Demanding Now
1. Accountability from top UFBU leadership for the last-minute deferment of the strike.
2. Clear explanation of what was agreed with IBA and why the strike was called off at the 11th hour.
3. A definite timeline for 5-Day Banking, rather than another open-ended committee process.
4. Clarity on the new committee, especially why another committee is needed when the five-day banking proposal was already part of the 2024 settlement discussions.
5. Transparency in negotiations with IBA/DFS and the government.
6. Constructive questioning of leadership, without blaming or personally attacking local/regional union leaders.
7. Internal union elections and leadership change, suggested by some members who believe the present leadership needs to be replaced.
8. Greater participation of ordinary members in union affairs, including contesting elections and taking responsibility.
9. Assurance that the movement for 5-Day Banking will continue and will not lose momentum after the strike deferment.
10. Some members are also asking what happens if the 5-Day Banking notification does not come soon, including whether members would reconsider their association with the union.
