SBI officers call strike; bank services hit

Lucknow, Aug 18 (UNI) Banking operations today remained paralysed in the State Bank of India (SBI) after its officers went on a strike to protest its proposed merger with the Bank of Saurashtra.

The stir caused losses to the tune of rupees several crores to the SBI in Uttar Pradesh alone. The bank officials have objected to the proposed merger across the nation.

The State Bank Officers' Association spokesperson told newspersons that all the branches of the bank were opened this morning, but the officers boycotted the work. He said the merger would also affect the heirarchy of the SBI officials, besides other benefits.

Meanwhile, the agitation adversely affected the bank customers, who were deprived of any services after three days of holiday.

UNI JAS PDM RL AS1635