Jammu, September 12: A joint demonstration was held outside Punjab National Bank, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, by the Jammu Province Bank Employees Federation (JPBEF), affiliated with AIBEA, and the All India Punjab National Bank Officers Association (AIPNBOA), J&K, affiliated with AIPNBOF, AIBOA and JKLC, in support of various demands raised by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
During the demonstration, posters highlighting the demands of UFBU were displayed, with the participants demanding the immediate implementation of five-day banking and withdrawal of the alleged discriminatory Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
The UFBU is a common platform representing bank employees and officers from various segments of the banking industry, including public sector banks, private sector banks, foreign banks, Regional Rural Banks and cooperative banks.
The unions said UFBU has announced a series of agitational programmes and strikes, including strikes on September 11, September 28, 29 and 30, 2026, followed by an indefinite strike from October 26, 2026, if their demands remain unresolved.
The major demands include implementation of five-day banking as agreed in the Settlement/Joint Note dated March 8, 2024; withdrawal of what the unions termed the Government’s unilateral and discriminatory PLI scheme; modification of the scheme through bilateral discussions with unions; and resolution of other residual issues.
Addressing the gathering, Com. Arun Kumar Gupta, General Secretary, JPBEF, highlighted the various demands raised by the bank unions and stressed the need for collective action.
Com. Arurh Bhanu Khajuria, State General Secretary, AIPNBOA-J&K, said the Government must fulfil its commitment regarding implementation of five-day banking and refrain from unilateral measures such as the PLI scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Com. Tara Singh, President, JPBEF; Com. Harminder Singh, Secretary, JPBEF; Com. Avtar Singh, Assistant Secretary, JPBEF; Com. Sanjeev Sharma, State President; Com. Arun Sharma, Deputy General Secretary (State); Com. Parshotam Kumar, Circle Secretary, Jammu Circle; and Com. Rahul Gupta, President, Jammu Circle, emphasised the importance of unity among banking professionals and urged employees to collectively work towards securing their demands.
Com. Arun Kumar Gupta expressed gratitude to the participating members and comrades for making the programme a success.
Com. Arurh Bhanu Khajuria appealed to members of the banking fraternity to participate in all programmes announced by the UFBU in accordance with the union’s call.
JPBEF General Secretary also warned that if the legitimate demands of bank employees are not addressed, employees would be compelled to participate in strikes as per the UFBU programme. He said the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Government of India would be responsible for any inconvenience caused to the general public due to the proposed industrial action.
