The government on Tuesday said it would not accept the demand of the striking State Bank of India employees for higher pension, even as unions expressed keenness to negotiate on their demand on the second day of their nationwide indefinite stir.
Demand of the striking employees of State Bank of India would not be entertained, as it would lead to similar demands by staff of other banks, a senior finance ministry official said.
He admitted that the strike has hit the retail operations of India's largest commercial bank across the country.
The official said states can switch over to other PSU banks for their treasury operations as per a Reserve Bank of India circular.
Meanwhile, representatives of the striking workers expressed willingness to negotiate on their demand if the government calls them for talks.
"We are willing to negotiate on our demand of 50 per cent of last drawn salary as pension, but the government should call us for talks," All India SBI Officers Federation vice-president T N Goel said.
Union government has not come out with any counter offer to the demand, he said.
A reconciliation meeting is scheduled for Wednesday between representatives of the employees, management and the finance ministry at the office of the chief labour commissioner in New Delhi
Do you want to discuss stock tips? Do you know a hot one? Join the Stock Market Investments Discussion Group
© 2026