Nationwide Bank Strike, Disrupts Services in Protest Against Government Policies
Chandigarh, July 9, 2025
Bank employees across India participated in a nationwide general strike on July 9, 2025, called by the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI). The strike was organized to protest the Central Government’s anti-people economic policies and anti-worker labor policies, severely impacting banking services nationwide. As the largest union of workmen, AIBEA’s participation significantly amplified the strike’s effect.
Protest Activities
A massive protest rally was held in front of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) Circle Office at Chhoti Baradari, Chandigarh. Additionally, a scooter rally was organized, moving through local bazaars to the old bus stand, where it joined a larger rally alongside Central Trade Unions.
Key Demands and Statements
Com. S.K. Gautam, President of the Punjab Bank Employees’ Federation (PBEF), addressed the gathering, criticizing the government’s push to privatize public sector banks and insurance companies, which manage ₹140 lakh crore in public savings. “Can we afford to hand over these savings to private corporates and capitalists?” he questioned. Gautam demanded:
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Recovery of bad loans from corporates.
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Strengthening of public sector banks.
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Ending excessive concessions to corporates and reducing the tax burden on common people.
Com. Sanjiv Prashar, Deputy General Secretary of PBEF, highlighted the participation of employees from public sector banks, select private and foreign banks, cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks, LIC, and GIC. He called for:
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Adequate recruitment to address staffing shortages.
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An end to outsourcing and contract-based jobs.
Com. Tarun Kaura, President of the SBI Employees Union, Chandigarh Circle, demanded:
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Scrapping the New Pension Scheme and restoring the Old Pension Scheme.
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Stringent measures to recover corporate bad loans.
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Reduction of service charges for common bank customers.
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Opposition to retrograde labor codes.
Broader Participation
The strike saw participation from various financial sector unions, including AIBEA, AIIEA (All India Insurance Employees Association), GIEAAIA (General Insurance Employees All India Association), AIBOA, AILICEF (All India Life Insurance Corporation Employees Federation), and BEFI, reflecting a unified stand against the government’s policies.
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Attendees
The event was attended by key union leaders, including:
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Com. Manga Ram, President
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Com. Lavleen Saini, Chairman
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Com. Harjit Singh, Vice President
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Com. Balbir Sharma, Vice President
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Com. Rajak Mohammad, Vice President
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Com. Sanmeet Singh, Deputy Secretary
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Com. Dev Raj, Organizing Secretary
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Com. Paramjeet Sabharwal, Organizing Secretary
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Com. Divya Pal Singh, Treasurer
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Com. Amrik Singh
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Com. Puneet Vithal
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Com. Winner Gupta
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Com. S.S. Gill
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Com. Varinder Sharma
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Com. Kanwaljit Singh
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Com. Graffic Sharma
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Com. Mandeep Sharma
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Com. Nitin Jain
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Com. Shabina Rafiq
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Com. Simranjeet Singh Luthra
Significance
The strike underscores growing discontent among bank employees with the Central Government’s economic and labor policies, particularly the privatization of public sector institutions and increasing financial burdens on ordinary citizens. The unified action by multiple unions and the scale of protests highlight the urgency of addressing issues like corporate loan recovery, fair recruitment practices, and equitable pension policies. The event marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle to protect public sector banks and the rights of their employees.
