Banking operations were hit today by the day-long, nation-wide strike called by public sector banks employees. ATMs run dry at several places in different parts the country. The All India Bank Employees' Association termed the strike as successful. The strike was called under the aegis of the United Forum of Bank Unions to press for their demands including fixing accountability of top officers over increasing bad loans, opposing labour reforms as well as outsourcing of permanent jobs. However, major private sector banks including ICICI, HDFC and Axis were not part of the strike.