Gujarat State Bank of India (SBI) staff to take part in 2-day strike from May 25

Ahmedabad: The All-India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) announced a two-day nationwide strike on May 25 and 26, citing unresolved employee-related issues and alleged violations of agreements by the bank management. Staff members from across SBI Bank branches in Gujarat will also participate in the nationwide strike. Banking operations across all branches are likely to be affected as a consequence.The federation said the strike decision was taken after repeated attempts to resolve pending matters through bilateral discussions failed to yield results. It alleged non-implementation of settlements and understandings, adversely affecting employees and the functioning of the bank. "Among the key demands raised by our federation are immediate recruitment of messengers and armed guards, restoration of inter-circle transfers for employees recruited from 2019 onwards, adequate hiring to address staff shortages, and an end to outsourcing of permanent jobs," said Nitesh Parmar, general secretary of SBI Employees' Union, Gandhinagar Circle. "The strike will be observed on May 27 if either of the announced dates coincides with a holiday." The union also sought parity in wage revision between workmen and officers, a review of the Career Progression Scheme pending since 2023, inclusion of all pay components in pension calculations for eligible retirees, and revision of the medical reimbursement scheme. Other demands include appointment of a workmen employee director on the board, nomination of a PF trustee, resolution of HRMS-related issues, and measures to curb alleged mis-selling practices in the name of cross-selling.