Officers from Punjab & Sind Bank will strike nationwide on May 19, 2025. The All India Punjab & Sind Bank Officers’ Federation (AIPSBOF) has called this protest due to concerns over unfair transfer and promotion policies. The officers say these policies have increased their workload and harmed customer service.
Main Issues Behind the Punjab & Sind Bank Officers Strike
The officers have raised several concerns. Let’s explore the key issues leading to this nationwide strike:
1. Unfair Transfers
The bank has transferred officers frequently, especially in the Chennai and Vijayawada zones. These transfers, which began in June 2024, often happen during the fourth quarter of the financial year. This disrupts operations and reduces staff availability, making it harder to provide quality service.
2. Staff Shortages in Key Branches
Punjab & Sind Bank faces significant staff shortages, especially in important branches in Chennai and Vijayawada. Many branches are led by junior officers, and some operate with as few as two officers. This leads to overwork and affects service quality for customers.
3. Linguistic Challenges
The officers are also concerned about language issues. They have been transferred to regions where they do not speak the local language, making communication difficult. This language barrier harms customer service and complicates the officers’ duties.
4. DFS Guidelines Ignored
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued guidelines in November 2024. These guidelines state that officers should not be transferred beyond their linguistic region. The AIPSBOF claims that the bank has ignored these rules, worsening the situation for both officers and customers.
Protest Actions Planned
To address these issues, AIPSBOF has announced the following actions:
- Wearing Black Badges: Officers will wear black badges to protest against the unfair policies.
- Demonstrations at Zonal Offices: The officers will hold protests at zonal offices across the country to demand fair transfer policies.
- Filing Complaints: The federation plans to file complaints with higher authorities and Labour Commissioners to push for immediate change.
AIPSBOF has also written to the General Manager (HRD) and Executive Director (HRD) of Punjab & Sind Bank, urging them to review the current transfer orders.
What’s Next?
The future of the protest depends on how the bank responds. If their concerns remain unresolved, the officers may continue their protests. The AIPSBOF wants the bank to implement a fair transfer policy. They believe this will improve officer satisfaction and customer service.
The nationwide strike by Punjab & Sind Bank officers shines a light on several internal issues. Frequent transfers, staff shortages, language barriers, and violations of DFS guidelines are some of the main concerns. The strike shows the officers’ commitment to demanding fairer treatment. We’ll have to wait and see how the bank’s management will handle these issues.
