In Indore, members of the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA), and allied organisations will assemble at Abhinav Kala Samaj, Gandhi Hall, for a public demonstration and meeting. Union leaders said the protest is part of a coordinated national action opposing what they described as anti-worker and anti-public policies of the central government.
The strike call centres on opposition to the four new labour codes, which union representatives claim weaken workers’ rights related to unionisation, collective bargaining and the right to strike. Protesters are also raising concerns over the proposed privatization of public sector banks and insurance companies, staff shortages, increased outsourcing, the scrapping of the old pension scheme, and rising service charges imposed on customers.
On Wednesday evening, bank employees and officers staged demonstrations across Indore to mobilise support ahead of Thursday’s strike. Addressing the gathering, Mohan Krishna Shukla, Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Bank Employees’ Association, said the policies under challenge could adversely affect both employees and the broader public sector framework. Arvind Porwal, General Secretary of the MP Bank Officers’ Association, echoed similar concerns, stating that safeguarding public sector banks is essential for financial stability and inclusive growth.
The programme was conducted by Naveen Modi, co-treasurer of AIBEA, while Pankaj Pandhre delivered the vote of thanks. Speakers urged bank staff to participate in large numbers, calling the strike a decisive step in pressing their demands.
The protest has drawn support from ten central trade unions and eighteen federations, according to INTUC President Shyam Sundar Yadav. He said the Congress party has extended its backing to the movement. However, the Indian Workers’ Union has decided not to participate in the February 12 action.
Union leaders described the upcoming strike as symbolic but warned of intensified agitation if the government does not engage in dialogue over labour reforms and privatization plans. They indicated that a more assertive phase of protest could follow in the coming weeks.
Customers have been advised to plan transactions in advance, as banking operations, including branch services and clearing functions, may be affected during the strike period.
