SBI Urges Customers to Use Alternative Banking Methods Amid Upcoming Staff Strike

SBI Prepares for Potential Disruptions

Mumbai: The State Bank of India (SBI), the largest bank in the nation, has advised its customers to utilize alternative transaction methods due to a planned strike by staff next week.

SBI has encouraged its vast customer base of over 520 million to rely on automated teller machines (ATMs), customer service points, and online banking platforms such as YONO and UPI.

Holding approximately 20% of the country's banking market, SBI is making efforts to maintain "essential services" across its more than 23,200 branches, as stated in a recent post on the social media platform 'X'.

The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has announced a two-day strike commencing on May 25.

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause," SBI mentioned in its communication.

The strike is being organized to advocate for several demands, including the hiring of sufficient staff.

Should the strike proceed, it could disrupt SBI's operations nationwide for five consecutive days, as the fourth Saturday and Sunday precede the strike.

Additionally, many states will observe a holiday for Eid al-Adha on May 27, the day following the proposed strike's conclusion.

The staff's demands also encompass the recruitment of messengers and armed guards, as well as a request to allow a change of pension fund manager to the NPS Employees, according to an AISBISF statement.

Furthermore, the federation has called for an end to the outsourcing of permanent positions, citing concerns over potential data breaches, fraud, and identity theft, which could jeopardize customer trust and expose the bank to significant reputational and legal risks.

Another key demand includes the appointment of a workmen's employee director to the bank's board.