Locked Out, Logged In: PNB Customers Told to Go Digital as Strike Looms

Punjab National Bank (PNB), the largest government-owned lender in India, has issued an advisory notice ahead of a July 9, 2025, all-India strike. The bank has informed that its normal business, including customer services and intra-bank dealings, might be impacted by the strike.

Key Developments

Employees at PNB are to join the all-India general strike called by a combined 10 central trade unions.

The strike is one of a series of oppositions to the central government's economic and labor policies, which are blamed by unions as pro-corporate and anti-worker.

PNB has officially notified stock exchanges about the potential operational disruption, though digital banking services will remain open.

Wider Context:

Over 25 crore workers from banking, insurance, coal mining, postal, and public transport industries would be joining the strike.

The agitation is backed by the big unions such as AIBEA, AIBOA, BEFI, and INTUC, etc.

Main demands include halting privatisation of public sector banks, postponing new labor codes, restoration of the old pension scheme, and addressing rising unemployment.

Customer Advisory:

Branch services such as cash drawals, deposits, cheque clearing, and loan processing may be delayed or unavailable on 9th July.

Customers are also urged to use online and mobile banking channels to reduce interruptions.

Sources: The Hindu, Reuters, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, OneIndia, LiveMint, Times of India