Bank Employees Protest Five-Day Banking and PLI Policy

Nationwide Demonstration Against Government Policies

Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh | August 28, 2026 - In response to a nationwide call from the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), bank employees and officers in Shivpuri held a strong protest. The demonstration primarily targets the government's disregard for the demand for five-day banking and the implementation of a divisive structure within the employee Productivity-Linked Incentive (PLI) policy.

Led by UFBU President Hemant Upadhyay and Convener Sanjay Verma, the protest saw approximately nine lakh bank employees unite for their demands. Demonstrators emphasized that their movement is not against bank management but against the policies of the central government. Employees believe that the refusal to implement five-day banking and the creation of division through the PLI policy are detrimental to the banking sector.

Opposition to Five-Day Banking and PLI Policy

The protesters are vehemently opposing the PLI policy, deeming it divisive. They argue that implementing five-day banking would improve employees' work-life balance, potentially boosting productivity and overall well-being. Conversely, they view the current form of the PLI policy as unfair and prone to creating unnecessary competition among employees.

Escalation and Nationwide Strike Warnings

Bank employees have resolved to intensify their agitation if their demands are not met. The UFBU has announced a phased series of strike programs, including a nationwide strike on September 11, 2026. This strike aims to pressure the government and bank management for immediate attention.

Further warnings include a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, 2026. If demands remain unaddressed after these strikes, a plan for an indefinite strike commencing October 26, 2026, is in place, which could severely disrupt banking services.

Call for Unity and Defense of Public Sector Banks

The UFBU has urged all employees to remain united to ensure the success of the upcoming movement and to protect the future of the banking sector and public sector undertakings. They assert that privatization of public sector banks or the introduction of any divisive policies could prove harmful to the nation's economy.

A large number of bank employees and officers, including Avinash Yadav, Pramod Pal, Virendra Sharma, D.P. Sharma, Laxmikant, Amit Kumar, Kajal Jarale, Akhilesh Meena, Amit, Tanay, Rishabh, Prashant, Abhishek, Rahul, Achala, Pooja, Samriddhi, Akash, and Gaurav, participated, showcasing their unity and firm resolve.