SBI Unions Call Two-Day Strike on May 25–26 Over Outsourcing, Staffing and Welfare Issues – Indian PSU
Employees of State Bank of India have announced a nationwide two-day strike on May 25 and 26, 2026, raising concerns over outsourcing, recruitment gaps, transfer policies, and employee welfare.
The strike has been called by the SBI Employees Association and SBI Employees Federation (SBIEF), both affiliated to the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI). The unions have formally served a strike notice under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, to the SBI Chairman and labour authorities.
Strike Notice Cites Unresolved Demands
According to the notice, the unions had previously raised multiple issues through demonstrations and memorandums. However, in the absence of any alternative resolution, they have decided to proceed with the strike.
The federation has listed nine key demands, including:
- Halt to outsourcing and casualisation of permanent jobs
- Recruitment for housekeeping, messenger, clerical and security staff
- Implementation of a transparent transfer policy
- Resolution of pay-fixation issues for ex-servicemen employees
- Withdrawal of HRMS outsourcing
- Improvements in medical reimbursement and welfare schemes
- Addressing work pressure linked to cross-selling targets
- Concerns over privatisation and disinvestment
Outsourcing and Staff Shortage Major Concerns
A major issue highlighted is the growing outsourcing of permanent job roles. The association stated that several categories of work have increasingly shifted to contractual arrangements through private agencies.
The unions also pointed to staff shortages following the merger of associate banks with SBI. According to them, recruitment for messenger posts has not taken place for years, even as vacancies persist across branches.
Transfer Policy and HRMS Issues Flagged
The employees’ body has demanded a transparent, online transfer policy, stating that the current system lacks clarity and consistency.
Concerns have also been raised over the outsourcing of the Human Resource Management System (HRMS). The federation alleges that the move has made it difficult to address salary discrepancies and benefits-related issues, affecting employees.
Welfare, Work Pressure and Privatisation Concerns
The strike notice also flags issues related to medical reimbursements, claiming that bills are not being fully settled and deductions continue.
Additionally, the unions have raised concerns about increasing work pressure due to cross-selling targets, stating that it impacts core banking responsibilities.
The federation has also linked the recent Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) and reduction in government shareholding to broader privatisation concerns.
Nationwide Agitation Plan
As part of the agitation programme, the unions have announced:
- Social media campaigns
- Demonstrations and memorandums
- Processions at district headquarters
- Two-day nationwide strike on May 25–26
BEFI has extended full support to the strike call, describing it as a significant step toward addressing employee-related issues. In a circular dated May 8, 2026, it urged its affiliates to organise solidarity demonstrations in state capitals between May 14 and May 20.
