Banking operations, particularly at public sector banks, were disrupted across the country on Friday as employees participated in a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).

The unions are demanding the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek, along with the resolution of pending wage-related issues.

The UFBU, an umbrella body comprising seven bank unions and representing nearly 90% of officers and employees, had called for the strike. Private sector banks, however, remained largely unaffected.

Several branches of public sector banks across the country were either fully or partially closed as both bank employees and officers joined the strike.