Jammu, January 27, 2026 : Bank employees affiliated with various unions observed a strike in Jammu on Tuesday, intensifying their demand for the implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector. The agitation, now in its fourth consecutive day, has significantly impacted banking operations across the region, union leaders said.
As part of the nationwide protest, members of different bank unions gathered at prominent locations in Jammu, holding placards and raising slogans to press for their long-pending demands. The strike is part of an all-India call given by bank employees’ organisations.
Addressing the protestors, representatives of the All India Bank Officers Confederation said nearly eight lakh bank employees across the country are participating in the strike. Rajesh Khat, a representative of the Confederation, said discussions had earlier been held with the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India regarding the introduction of a five-day working schedule in banks.
He said the government had earlier assured bank unions that the five-day work week would be implemented, but the absence of any concrete action has led to widespread resentment among employees.
Union leaders said bank staff are grappling with acute staff shortages, rising workloads and prolonged working hours, resulting in increased mental stress. They maintained that a five-day work week is essential to ensure work-life balance, boost efficiency and improve overall service delivery in the banking sector.
The unions warned that the agitation would continue and may be intensified further if their demands are not addressed at the earliest. Due to the strike, banking services remained disrupted at several branches in Jammu, causing inconvenience to customers, officials said.
