The All-India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) has called for a series of strikes from December 4 to January 20, 2024, alleging the bank authorities” reluctance to recruit employees. The union alleges that their workload has increased unbearably due to the employee shortage, which in turn exhausts them. Additionally, their long-standing demand for more employees has been ignored by the bank authorities.

The union has declared a 48-hour strike from January 19 to 20, 2024, across the nation, encompassing all banks, including private banks. Initially, employees from PNB, Punjab & Sind Bank, SBI, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, UCO Bank, Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, and Bank of Maharashtra have called for a strike from December 4 to 8. Subsequently, all union employees will strike across regions from January 2 to 6. They have also resolved to call a strike on December 11 at all private banks.

The Bank Employees Union argued that the number of staff has not increased proportionately to the total volume of business, which has increased their workload. The vacancies are arising due to retirements, promotions, and deaths. However, the bank authorities have no intention of filling them up. Moreover, the shortage of employees is adversely affecting customer satisfaction, resulting in friction and complaints.

The union also accused the government of deliberately not appointing staff, for which they are responsible.