Bankers around the country expressed their displeasure with the new government’s and the banking regulator’s decision to extend the working day and increase daily working hours, calling it unfavorable to employee well-being and the banking industry’s working culture.
A big number of bankers protested in front of the State Bank of Pakistan in Karachi on Friday against the prolonged working hours for them, particularly during Ramadan.
They asked that the banking regulator reinstate the bankers’ previous working hours.
According to Shahid Jamil, a banker located in Islamabad, the additional working day will not only reduce banker output but will also dramatically increase the cost of branch operations.
Staff members of numerous banks have been noted to be overburdened with increased workload, particularly after the middle of each month, and they already work long shifts. Certain branches operate on Saturdays with a skeleton staff.
The banking regulator has advocated for gender diversity and inclusion in the banking industry, but the implementation of extended time and Saturday work on the prime minister’s orders will discourage women from pursuing a career in banking, according to Shaista Khan, a banker based in Lahore.
According to bankers, the banking industry is facing a shortage of human resources, and the new work rules will dissuade newcomers from choosing banking as a career.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has proposed a new work strategy for government departments, including banks.
As a result, federal government employees, state-owned enterprises, and banks will work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., including Saturdays throughout Ramadan.
The Ramadan hours of operation for federal government offices have also been changed.
According to a notification issued by the Establishment Division, the altered timings went into effect immediately and would stay in effect until withdrawn or modified.
Monday through Thursday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Prayers break: 1-1:30 p.m.), Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Employees of the federal government have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the new working arrangement, since the government has implemented the premier’s announcement of a pay increase.
The weekly working hours in Pakistan should not exceed 48 hours, according to labor legislation. The daily labor schedule consists of nine-hour shifts with a one-hour break for lunch and prayers.
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