If you have any pending work like check clearance, getting a draft made or getting your KYC updated, for which you have to go to the branch, then delaying now can be heavy on both your pocket and time. The country's largest government bank i.e. State Bank of India (SBI) has issued an important alert for crores of its account holders. In fact, in view of the proposed nationwide bank strike at the end of the month, the bank has clearly said that the important work related to the branch should be completed on time, otherwise the work may get stuck due to long holiday and strike.
The simple fact is that the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a 3-day nationwide bank strike from 28th to 30th September. The matter is not limited to this. Just before the strike, 26th and 27th September is a weekend. Its simple mathematics is that from September 26 to September 30, the normal functioning of the branch may remain stalled or limited for 5 consecutive days. In such a situation, this week can prove to be full of confusion for those who wait for the last date.
UFBU strike and complete mathematics of 5 days
Actually, this resentment of bank unions is not new. Earlier on September 11 also, a one-day nationwide symbolic strike was observed on the call of UFBU. Taking their strategy forward, the unions have announced a three-day strike on 28, 29 and 30 September. Not only this, the attitude of the bank employees is going to remain tough in future also because the union has also planned to go on indefinite or continuous strike from October 26.
Now just understand the calculations of the calendar. The branches will remain closed due to 26th September being Saturday and 27th September being Sunday. After this, there is a proposed strike on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (28 to 30 September). That means you will not find bank counters open for five consecutive days. This is the reason why SBI management has already warned that if the presence of a bank employee is mandatory for any work, then it should be completed before 26th September.
Which tasks will get stuck and what is the backup plan of the bank?
The question arises whether the banks will come to a complete halt? State Bank has made it clear in its advisory that every effort will be made to keep essential services running during the strike. However, it is also a reality that due to less presence of employees in the branches, it is almost certain that there will be interruption or delay in work like public dealing, large drafts, settlement of old checks and physical verification of documents.
If you just want to withdraw cash or deposit money, there is no need to worry too much. SBI has advised customers to use ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs). Apart from this, Customer Service Centers (CSPs) operating in rural and semi-urban areas can also prove helpful for general banking needs.
Digital platforms will remain the lifeline
The biggest relief in today's times is that most of the everyday transactions have been limited to mobile screens only. The bank has clarified that internet banking, SBI YONO app, mobile banking and UPI services will continue to operate as usual. This means that the strike will not have any impact on operations like fund transfer, bill payment, online shopping or merchant payment.
Nevertheless, the ground reality dictates that one has to visit the branch for paperwork or large financial transactions. If your deadline for any big business payment or submission of government documents is coming around 30th September, then instead of taking the risk, it would be wise to go to the branch and complete the formalities by 25th September.