Bank employee unions to go on nationwide strike on Jan 31, Feb 1

Bank employee unions have announced a series of agitations, including a two-day strike - on January 31 and February 1 - in order to press their demands. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the umbrella organisation of various bank employee unions, also declared that they would go on an indefinite strike from April 1 if the demands are not met.

The Union Budget for FY21 is scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 and the Unions' decision to hold the strike on that may result in the operations of the banks impacted on that day.

A circular issued by UFBU on Wednesday said that the unanimous decision to intensify agitation was taken after talks with Indian Banks' Association (IBA) failed.