Bank customers may face disruption in branch-based services from September 28 to September 30, 2026, as bank unions have called a three-day nationwide strike over the demand for five-day banking. Several public sector banks have alerted customers to complete essential branch-related work in advance, while major private banks are expected to operate normally.
Bank strike how many days? Check dates and details
The nationwide bank strike will be held for three days: September 28, 29 and 30. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and is mainly expected to affect public sector banks.
The strike follows a conciliation meeting held on September 22 involving the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), Department of Financial Services (DFS) and bank managements. The meeting did not resolve the unions' demand for five-day banking, following which UFBU said the strike would go ahead.
Customers could face delays in services that require branch staff, including cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque-related work and other account services.
Which banks are on strike? Full list
Several major public sector banks have warned customers about possible disruption during the three-day strike. These include:
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Bank of India
- Central Bank of India
- Union Bank of India
- Indian Bank
- Other public sector banks whose employees participate in the strike
SBI bank strike advisory: Finish important work in advance
The State Bank of India has advised customers to complete essential branch-related transactions before the strike dates. The bank has asked customers to use ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs) for cash requirements and rely on YONO, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and other digital channels wherever possible.
SBI said some services at branches and offices could be affected during the proposed strike and may cause inconvenience to customers. The bank has also waived ATM charges during the three-day strike period.
PNB, Bank of India, Central Bank issue strike alerts
Punjab National Bank has also informed customers about the three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30 and advised them to complete other banking requirements at branches in advance.
Bank of India and Central Bank of India have issued similar advisories, asking customers to use ATMs, mobile and internet banking, business correspondent (BC) points and UPI wherever possible.
Tomorrow bank strike: Which banking services will be affected?
The strike begins tomorrow, September 28, and will continue on September 29 and 30.
For customers, the biggest impact is expected at branches of participating public sector banks. Digital banking services, ATMs and other automated channels are expected to remain available, although customers should check with their individual bank if they need a service that requires staff assistance.
Major private sector lenders such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank are not part of UFBU and are expected to function normally. However, customers should check with their bank before visiting a branch, as localised disruptions may still occur.
Why are bank employees going on strike?
The unions are demanding that all Saturdays be declared holidays for bank employees. The demand is linked to the 12th Bipartite Settlement signed with the IBA in March 2024.
At present, bank branches are generally closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Under the proposed five-day banking system, banks would operate from Monday to Friday, with daily working hours increased by 40 minutes.
UFBU has maintained that the demand has not received the required government notification despite the agreement.
Bank strike: What should customers do?
Customers of participating banks should complete important branch-related work before the strike begins. For routine transactions during the strike, they can use:
- ATMs and ADWMs for cash requirements
- Internet banking
- Mobile banking
- UPI
- YONO and other bank apps
- Business Correspondent (BC) points, where available
Services involving physical documents, staff-assisted cheque processing and other branch-dependent work may take longer.
Central government salaries and pensions paid early
The government has also taken steps to avoid delays in salary and pension payments. The Controller General of Accounts directed that September salaries, wages and pensions of central government employees, including those in Defence, Posts and Telecommunications, be drawn and disbursed on September 25, rather than at the usual month-end time.
Indefinite bank strike from October 26: What to know
The September strike is not the only action announced by the unions. UFBU has also announced an indefinite nationwide strike from October 26, 2026, if the five-day banking demand remains unresolved.
The unions had earlier observed a one-day nationwide strike on September 11. AIBEA general secretary C H Venkatachalam said employees were aggrieved over the lack of progress on the demand.
Inputs from agencies
