48-hour nationwide bank strike from March 23

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• Imtisanen Ao (middle) with other bank representatives during the press conference in Dimapur on Monday. (EM Images)

• DIMAPUR — Banks across India, including those in Nagaland, will observe a 48-hour nationwide strike from midnight on March 23.
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• The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), comprising nine banking unions, in response to long-standing demands related to recruitment, job security, and working conditions in the banking sector.
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• This was informed in a press conference by the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) Nagaland state secretary, Imtisanen Ao, in Dimapur on Monday.
• According to Imtisanen, the key demands of the bank sector include:
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  - Adequate Recruitment: Filling vacant positions across all banking cadres, including workmen, officers, and directors.

- Five-Day Workweek: Implementing a five-day workweek in the banking sector to improve work-life balance.

- Withdrawal of Performance Directives: Withdrawing recent directives on performance reviews and performance-linked incentives, which are seen as threatening job security and employee relationships.

- Safety of Bank Staff: Ensuring the safety of bank officers and staff against assaults and abuse by customers.

- Gratuity Act Amendment: Amending the Gratuity Act to raise the ceiling to INR 25 lakh and provide tax exemptions, similar to the scheme for government employees.