Hundreds of automated teller machines (ATMs) went dry in the city due to the strike by employees of a private security agency since Monday morning. The customers were seen fuming at the cash-less ATMs in the city.
According to sources, the agency’s employees are miffed at the receipt of annual bonus this year which, they complained, is lower compared to the bonus given by the agency in other states.
“The bonus paid in Andhra Pradesh is Rs 3500 whereas it is Rs 7000 in Maharashtra and Rs 6000 in Delhi. The employees are demanding a hike,” sources said.
A bank official admitted that negotiations are going on, and if no solution comes out, they will take alternative measures.
The strike, however, has left many ATMs cash-less. “As I don’t keep much money with me, I am facing a lot of difficulty to find one ATM with cash,” said P Ravi, a student. All the four ATMs were out of cash at the Raj Bhavan Road, he added. Many other customers too complained about the cash-less ATMs.
“Thankfully, I found one with cash after trying at six different places,” said V Sharada, who works at a mall. She explained that the machines near malls are out of cash soon.