22 May,2026 03:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
SBI’s banking operations across the country could face disruption for nearly five consecutive days. Pic/ X
Employees of the State Bank of India (SBI), under the banner of the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF), have threatened to launch a two-day nationwide strike beginning May 25 over a series of demands, including the recruitment of adequate staff, reported ANI.
If the strike goes ahead, SBI's banking operations across the country could face disruption for nearly five consecutive days, as the fourth Saturday and Sunday fall immediately before the proposed strike dates.
Additionally, several states are expected to observe a public holiday on May 27 on account of Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), the day after the strike concludes.
In a statement, AISBISF said its demands include the recruitment of sufficient employees, appointment of messengers and armed guards, and allowing National Pension System (NPS) employees the option to change their Pension Fund Manager.
The union has also opposed the outsourcing of permanent jobs, alleging that it poses serious risks related to data leaks, misuse, fraud and identity theft.
"Outsourcing permanent jobs endangers customer trust and exposes the bank to severe reputational and legal consequences," the federation stated, according to ANI.
Another major demand raised by the union is the appointment of a Workmen's Employee Director on SBI's board.
The federation alleged that despite provisions requiring the appointment from a panel submitted by the representative union, employees' democratic and statutory rights have been repeatedly ignored.
"This continued inaction reflects a deliberate denial of workmen's representation at the highest level of decision-making and is wholly unacceptable," the statement added, the news agency reported.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner is scheduled to hold a conciliation meeting on May 23 with representatives of the union and the bank's management in an effort to resolve the dispute and avert the strike.
It was shutters down across the country on Wednesday as chemists and druggists observed a nationwide one-day token strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD).
The organisation said the protest was against the "illegal and uncontrolled online sale of medicines, sale of medicines without valid prescriptions, and predatory deep discounting practices by online medicine platforms."
Responding to questions on the impact of the strike, AIOCD secretary Rajiv Singhal said more than 12 lakh chemists across India had supported the protest.
"Just like Rome was not built in a day, the pharmaceutical industry, its evolution, and related changes cannot happen overnight. We are happy because this strike action was highlighted by the media. It brought awareness among the public regarding the misuse of e-pharmacy platforms," he said.
"It also brought focus to our concerns and legitimate grievances, which is why we term it a success. Now, it is up to the authorities to take action," he added.
(With ANI inputs)
