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Banks advise customers to complete essential transactions ahead of 3-day strike
The UFBU deferred the shutdown after agreeing with the Indian Banks' Association to form a committee on Saturdays and other unresolved demands.
On Sunday, the United Forum of Bank Unions deferred its planned three-day nationwide strike after reaching an understanding with the Indian Banks' Association on pending demands.
Both parties agreed to immediately form a high-level committee to deliberate on declaring remaining Saturdays as holidays, exploring alternatives acceptable to all stakeholders and customers.
Unions have long pressed for a five-day work week, improved pension benefits, and an option for employees under the National Pension System to switch to the Old Pension Scheme .
To mitigate disruptions, the State Bank of India advised customers to use digital channels; branches remained open on Sunday ahead of the originally scheduled strike.
Despite the deferral, the UFBU has threatened an indefinite strike beginning October 26 if demands remain unresolved, while the Finance Ministry appealed for dialogue, saying most concerns were substantially addressed.