Nationwide trade strike today, banking services hit across Gujarat, SBI alerts customers

Banking services across Gujarat are likely to remain disrupted today as bank employees join the nationwide strike called by central trade unions to protest against the Centre’s labour reforms and other long-pending demands. The State Bank of India (SBI) has already cautioned customers that normal banking operations may be affected on February 12 due to employee participation in the strike.

The Mahagujarat Bank Employees Association (MGBEA) has appealed to bank staff to participate in large numbers, raising the possibility of a significant impact on banking transactions across the state.

Opposition to four labour codes

Apart from demanding a five-day banking work week, bank unions have intensified their agitation against the four new labour codes introduced by the Centre. Trade unions allege that the codes were brought in without adequate consultation with stakeholders and would weaken workers’ rights, including the right to strike and collective bargaining.

Union leaders claim the new framework could dilute social security and workplace safety for employees and make it harder to form, run and sustain trade unions due to more complex compliance requirements.

Key demands

In addition to withdrawal of the four labour codes, the unions have put forward several other demands, including:

Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS)

Halting privatisation of public sector banks and strengthening them

Filling vacant posts through adequate recruitment

Ending outsourcing and contract-based employment

Stronger action to recover large bad loans

Reduction in service charges for common bank customers

Withdrawal of the decision to allow 100% FDI in insurance companies

10 central trade unions join strike

Ten central trade unions — including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC — have jointly called the nationwide strike today to oppose the replacement of 29 existing labour laws with four new labour codes. The MGBEA has extended its support to the protest.

Major impact expected in Gujarat

As part of the protest, a rally is being held this morning from Ellisbridge (near Town Hall) to Nehru Bridge, followed by a human chain demonstration. Around 25,000 bank employees are expected to participate, potentially affecting operations at nearly 3,678 branches of nationalised banks across Gujarat.

Employees of private sector banks such as Federal Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Karnataka Bank and IDBI are also likely to join the strike. Officials estimate that banking transactions worth nearly ₹15,000 crore could be affected in a single day due to the disruption.

What services remain available?

Despite the strike, digital banking services are expected to function normally. Customers can continue using UPI, IMPS, NEFT and RTGS for fund transfers, along with balance checks and bill payments via mobile apps or computers. Major private banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank are operating as usual. ATM services are also expected to remain available, subject to cash availability.

Bank customers have been advised to plan branch-related work accordingly as the impact of the strike unfolds through the day.