<h1>Banking operations disrupted by nationwide bank unions' strike demanding implementation of a five day work week.</h1> Nationwide strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions disrupted branch banking operations as unions demanded immediate implementation of a five-day work week; roughly eight lakh public sector bank employees participated, affecting cheque clearance, cash transactions, bill trading and treasury functions while digital channels remained operational. The action followed a failed conciliation meeting and reflects union claims that a prior agreement to extend weekday hours and declare remaining Saturdays as holidays has been pending government approval, and that declaration of all Saturdays as holidays was agreed in the 12th Bipartite Settlement.