Bank employees in Shivamogga protested on January 27, demanding a five-day work week. The protest was part of a nationwide movement led by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). Employees gathered in front of the State Bank of India on B.H. Road and marched, affecting financial transactions in the city. Protesters said over 10 lakh bank workers across India joined the protest. They have been seeking the five-day work week for a long time. "Several rounds of talks had been held on the issue," they said, but added, "The Central Government had not approved their demand, which prompted the employees to hit the streets." Carrying placards, they said, "Bankers could serve customers better if they got sufficient breaks from work." They stressed the importance of this for employee health. "Healthy employees could serve society better, and longer," the protesters noted. They pointed out that many sectors, including insurance, already have a five-day week. Also, most central government offices work five days. "The same should be extended to commercial banks as well," they urged. They assured customers that services like ATMs and online banking would continue uninterrupted despite the change. This protest marks a strong call for better work-life balance for bank employees nationwide.