Bank strike hits Assam, ATMs my go dry on Thursday

GUWAHATI, May 30: The two-day nationwide banks strike that began on Wednesday crippled the banking service in Guwahati as well different parts of the North East.

The strike called by United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) is to protest against a ‘meagre’ 2 per cent salary hike proposed by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). All public sector banks and majority of private banks in the city kept their shutters down and employees restrained themselves from doing any kind of financial transactions on Wednesday. Employees of the largest public sector bank—State Bank of India staged demonstration in different parts of the State. Many ATM security guards have reportedly participated in the protest. With month-end salary credits expected on Thursday, ATM closures could impact cash withdrawals. Even though bank officials had assured replenish ATMs before the strike, there are apprehension that the ATMs might run dry due to the heavy month-end withdrawals on Thursday.