Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 11: Banking services across Goa are likely to face disruption for nearly five days as a nationwide bank strike on September 11 coincides with a series of holidays, affecting branch operations during the festival period.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a nationwide strike on September 11 over the delay in implementing a five-day banking week, pension-related issues and several other long-pending demands.

The strike falls on Friday and will be followed by the second Saturday and Sunday holidays. Banks will also remain closed on September 14 and 15 on account of Ganesh Chaturthi. The combination of the strike and holidays is expected to leave customers with limited access to branch banking services for an extended period.

Although banks have made arrangements to keep essential services running, customers may face difficulties with branch-related transactions and other services during the period.

With the festival approaching, several bank branches in Goa witnessed heavy footfall on Thursday as customers rushed to complete deposits, withdrawals and other transactions ahead of the closure.

The unions have also warned of an escalation if their demands remain unaddressed. According to the proposed programme, a three-day nationwide strike will be held from September 28 to 30, followed by an indefinite strike from October 26 if the issues remain unresolved.

The proposed agitation comes amid the unions' longstanding demand for a five-day banking week, along with pension-related issues and other service-related demands.