Employees of public sector banks across the country today began their two-day strike, demanding wage revision. They are also opposed to banking sector reforms. Cheque clearances, cash withdrawals and deposits in the banks' branches are badly hit by the strike. However, private sector banks such as ICICI, HDFC and Axis Bank are functioning normally.

Public sector Banks, including the State Bank of India, the country's largest Bank, had informed customers in advance about the likely inconvenience they would face during the strike.

AIR Correspondent reports, the employees' unions had rejected the Indian Banks Association, IBA's offer of a 10 per cent wage hike during a conciliation meeting held on the 6th of this month, with the Chief Labour Commissioner. The IBA represents the banks' management.