PANAJI
Banking services across Goa are likely to face disruption for nearly five days as a nationwide bank strike on September 11 is set to coincide with a series of holidays, potentially affecting branch operations during the festival period.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a nationwide strike on September 11 over the delay in implementing a five-day banking week, pension-related issues and several other long-pending demands. The strike falls on a Friday and will be followed by the second Saturday and Sunday holidays, while banks will remain closed on September 14 and 15 on account of Ganesh Chaturthi. The combination is likely to leave customers with limited access to branch banking services for an extended period. Although banks have made arrangements to keep essential services running, customers are likely to face difficulties with branch-related transactions and other services during the period. With the festival approaching and apprehensions over the disruption, several bank branches in Goa witnessed heavy footfall on Thursday, with customers rushing to complete deposits, withdrawals and other transactions.
The unions have also warned of an escalation if their demands remain unaddressed. According to the proposed programme, a three-day nationwide strike will be held from September 28 to 30, followed by an indefinite strike from October 26 if the issues continue to remain unresolved.
The proposed agitation comes amid the unions' longstanding demand for a five-day banking week, besides pension-related issues and other service-related demands.
