Bank strike cripples banking operations in TN

Chennai, Sep 24: Banking operations in Tamil Nadu came to a grinding halt as the two-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to press their demands, began on Wednesday, Sep 24.

UFBU Convener C H Venkatachalam told UNI that more than 62,000 employees of all PSU banks, old private banks and foreign banks participated in the strike.

Functioning of more than 5,500 banks in the state were affected in view of the strike.

As part of the strike more than 3,000 bank employees under the banner of UFBU took out a rally from Munroe Statue to State Guest House in Chepauk, where a demonstration was held.

Mr Venkatachalam said none of the demands putforth by the UFBU like pension option, wage revision, compassionate appointment scheme were resolved by the Indian Bank's Association.

There was also no let up in government's efforts and bank managements to implement the banking reforms like privatisation, merger of banks and allowing unrestricted voting rights to FDI in banking sector unmindful of the strong protest by the trade unions, he added.

UNI