Normal banking operations were hit today as employees of public sector banks went on a two-day strike in response to a call given by central trade unions to press for wage hike in the backdrop of rising inflation. Apprehending disruption in their normal banking operations, many banks had already informed their customers about the proposed strike.

Meanwhile, sources said, banks have taken steps to ensure that public do not face problems at least on the cash front during the strike period.

Banks have fed additional cash in ATMs to meet the cash needs of their customers. Bank unions are pressing for early wage revision of employees, which they said is due from November 2012.

They are also opposing banking sector reforms and any plan for merger of banks. There are 26 public sector banks with employees strength of around 10 lakh.