State Bank of India (SBI) branches will function normally on May 25 and 26 after the proposed two-day nationwide strike by employees was deferred following discussions between bank management and union representatives, PTI reported.SBI, in a customer advisory, said the proposed strike by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) had been postponed.“All our branches will function normally and provide all regular banking services,” the bank said, assuring its 52 crore customers that operations would continue as usual.The strike call had been announced earlier this month by AISBISF over a 16-point charter of demands, including adequate staffing and fresh recruitment.Officials said the decision to defer the strike came after what were described as “positive discussions” between the management and employee representatives at SBI’s Corporate Centre in Mumbai on Friday.“The meeting with the management was positive and there has been progress on several demands raised by the federation. In view of the developments, the proposed strike has been deferred,” SBI Staff Association, Bengal Circle secretary Sudip Dutta told PTI.The federation had sought recruitment of messengers and armed guards, adequate staffing levels, an end to outsourcing of permanent jobs, review of career progression schemes, better medical reimbursement and resolution of HRMS-related concerns.It had also raised issues related to “declining” clerical recruitment, “increasing workload” on employees, delays in inter-circle transfers and pension matters.“The meeting held today between the management and the federation at Corporate Centre, Mumbai has concluded positively. We are glad to inform you that there have been positive improvements on our demands,” All India SBI Staff Federation general secretary L Chandrasekhar said in a communication to members.“In view of the progress achieved during the discussions, the proposed strike stands deferred,” he added.
