Customers may rely on ATMs and digital banking services during the bank strike. (Image via: Wikimedia Commons)
NEW DELHI: Bank customers across India may face disruption in branch-based banking services as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and other bank unions have scheduled a nationwide three-day strike from September 28 to 30, 2026.
The strike is centred mainly on the demand for implementation of a five-day banking week. The government has already kept the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in abeyance, but the five-day banking week issue remains unresolved. Bank unions have also raised other service-related demands, including pension-related issues.
Why are bank unions striking?
The UFBU and other bank unions have been pressing for a five-day working week, with Saturdays becoming holidays. The demand was included in the March 2024 wage settlement but has not yet been implemented. The unions have also raised demands related to pension revision, dearness allowance for pensioners and other employee issues.
The government has said it has kept the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in abeyance, addressing one of the issues raised by the unions. However, the demand for a five-day banking week remains unresolved.
A previous nationwide one-day bank strike was held on September 11, followed by the three-day strike scheduled for September 28–30. The unions have also proposed an indefinite strike from October 26 if the dispute remains unresolved.
Five consecutive days of disruption possible
The strike comes immediately after the weekend. September 26 is the second Saturday and September 27 is Sunday, meaning customers could face limited access to regular branch services for five consecutive days from September 26 to 30, if the strike proceeds as scheduled. September 30 also marks the half-yearly closing of banks.
The Department of Financial Services has asked public sector banks to prepare for the strike and ensure continuity of essential banking services. Banks have also been advised to inform customers about the disruption and encourage them to complete essential transactions in advance.
What should customers do?
State Bank of India (SBI) has advised customers to complete important branch-related transactions before the strike. The Department of Financial Services has advised customers to complete essential banking work by September 25.
Customers can continue to use alternative channels such as:
- UPI
- Internet banking
- Mobile banking
- SBI YONO and similar banking apps
- ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs)
- Customer Service Points (CSPs)
Banks have said they are making efforts to keep essential digital and alternative banking services operational, although availability can vary by bank and service.
Branch-dependent services such as cash deposits or withdrawals at the counter, cheque-related work, documentation and other staff-assisted services may face delays or disruption depending on employee participation.
Customers who need branch-based banking services should complete urgent work by September 25 to avoid possible inconvenience during the September 26–30 period.
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