Bank unions have deferred their planned two-day nationwide strike after talks with the Chief Labour Commissioner on September 22. The strike was earlier scheduled for September 24 and 25.

The United Forum of Bank Unions, which represents nine unions, said the strike call stands deferred pending the next conciliation meeting on October 9. Employees had planned to protest over a five-day work week and other demands.

Instead of striking, bank staff will observe a savings day on October 4 to press their demands. Unions said the day will focus on public awareness about staff shortages and workload in public-sector banks.

The conciliation talks will now resume on October 9. Union leaders said they will decide the next course of action based on the outcome of that meeting.

Customers faced no disruption as branches functioned normally. The unions have warned that the strike could be revived if the October talks fail to produce results.