SBI employees threaten nationwide strike from May 25 over recruitment, outsourcing issues

Employees of State Bank of India (SBI), under the banner of the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF), have threatened to launch a two-day nationwide strike from May 25, pressing for a range of demands including the recruitment of adequate staff across the bank.

If the strike goes ahead, SBI’s banking operations could face disruptions for up to five consecutive days across the country, as the fourth Saturday and Sunday precede the proposed strike dates. Additionally, several states are expected to observe a holiday on May 27 on account of Eid al-Adha, extending the impact on banking services.

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In a statement, AISBISF said its demands include the recruitment of messengers and armed guards, along with allowing employees under the National Pension System (NPS) to change their Pension Fund Manager option.

The federation has also opposed the outsourcing of permanent jobs, arguing that such practices increase the risk of data leaks, misuse, fraud and identity theft. According to the union, outsourcing endangers customer trust and exposes the bank to significant reputational and legal risks.

Another key demand relates to the appointment of a Workmen’s Employee Director on SBI’s board. The union said that despite provisions mandating such appointments from a panel submitted by the representative union, employees’ democratic and statutory rights have been repeatedly overlooked.

“This continued inaction reflects a deliberate denial of workmen’s representation at the highest level of decision-making and is wholly unacceptable,” the federation said.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner is scheduled to hold a conciliation meeting on May 23 involving both the union and SBI management in an effort to find common ground and avert the proposed strike.