Banking operations have been partially affected as employees of left-leaning unions went on day-long strike today to protest against the disinvestment policy of the government and the price rise. General Secretary of All-India Banks Employees' Association, C H Venkatachalam claimed that about 5 lakh members of the association are supporting the nation-wide strike call given by various trade unions. As many as eight central trade unions, including CITU, have announced a nation-wide strike. Mr Venkatachalam said the strike call is against banking sector reforms and mergers of public sector banks, among other issues. However, State Bank of India officers and employees unions is not part of the strike.