Indian bank unions will hold a nationwide strike from September 28 to 30 over the five-day workweek demand. Check affected services and bank advisories.
Bank customers across India could face disruption to branch-based services as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) prepares to hold a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026.
The unions decided to continue with the protest after a conciliation meeting held on September 22 failed to produce a concrete agreement on their demand for a five-day working week.
Why Bank Employees Are Going on Strike
UFBU said the five-day banking arrangement was agreed upon during the wage-revision settlement signed in March 2024 but has not yet been implemented.
Representatives of UFBU, the Indian Banks’ Association, the Department of Financial Services and bank managements attended the conciliation meeting conducted by the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner.
The government and banking authorities asked the unions to postpone the industrial action while discussions continued. UFBU, however, said it would reconsider the strike only if there were positive and concrete developments on its demand.
Banks Warn Customers About Disruption
State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and other public-sector banks have advised customers to complete important branch-related transactions before the strike begins.
September 26 is the fourth Saturday and September 27 is a Sunday. Consequently, branch services could be unavailable or substantially disrupted for five consecutive days in locations where employees participate fully in the strike.
The Finance Ministry has instructed public-sector banks and regional rural banks to keep ATMs adequately stocked and make arrangements to maintain essential services.
Which Banking Services May Be Affected?
The strike is expected to have the greatest impact on services requiring employees or a physical visit to a branch, including:
- Cash deposits and withdrawals at branch counters
- Cheque clearing and processing
- Account opening and closure
- Loan documentation
- Passbook updates
- Other staff-assisted services
The actual impact may vary by bank and branch depending on employee participation. Private banks are expected to experience less disruption than public-sector banks.
UPI, internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs and automated deposit-and-withdrawal machines are expected to remain available. Customers should nevertheless keep sufficient cash and complete urgent documentation in advance.
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