Shillong, Jan 27: Bank employees in Meghalaya staged a protest in front of the State Bank of India (SBI) main branch here to demand a five-day work week along with other benefits.
The protest, led by the state unit of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) saw several banks closed for the day. UFBU convenor Wandaplang Mawroh said the union has been pushing for holidays on all Saturdays, instead of just the second and fourth Saturdays as is currently the case.
“The government has been delaying our demands, forcing us to take this step,” Mawroh said. “Our protest is not against the public but for securing our legitimate rights.”
Bryan Syiemlieh, of the SC/ST Employees Welfare Association at SBI, said the central government had agreed to a five-day work week in 2023 but has kept it pending for nearly three years now.
“We risked our lives during Covid-19, now it’s time our demands are honoured,” Syiemlieh said, warning of future protests if needed.
Banking union leader Pranab Bhattacharjee claimed that acute staff shortages lead to workers enduring late nights, which affects their mental health. “A five-day banking week is essential for employee welfare and productivity,” Bhattacharjee added.
