Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Three-Day Bank Strike May Disrupt Branch Services, Not Payments
Bank unions have proposed stopping work for three days, from September 28 to 30.
Weekend holidays before or after the strike could make some banking services difficult for up to five days.
Bank branches may be closed or have fewer services during this time.
People can generally still pay loan EMIs and credit card bills online.
They can use banking apps, UPI, e-wallets and other digital payment methods.
ATMs and some deposit machines are also expected to be available.
Tasks needing paper documents, cheques or help from bank employees may be delayed.
The unions are asking for a five-day banking week and changes to employee and pension benefits.
Bank unions have proposed a nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, potentially affecting services for up to five days with weekend holidays.
State Bank of India and Union Bank of India have warned customers about possible disruptions during the strike period.
Loan EMIs and credit card bills can generally be paid through online banking, mobile apps, UPI, e-wallets and other digital channels.
ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines are expected to remain available for cash needs, though services may occasionally face maintenance outages.
Branch-dependent tasks involving physical documents, cheque processing or bank staff could be delayed, so customers should complete them beforehand.
- Who
- Bank unions under the United Forum of Bank Unions, which says it represents 90% of the banking workforce, have proposed the strike.
- What
- A nationwide three-day bank strike that may disrupt branch-based banking services while digital payments generally remain available.
- When
- September 28 to 30; weekend holidays could extend disruptions to as many as five days.
- Where
- Across India, including branches of banks such as State Bank of India and Union Bank of India.
- Why
- The unions are seeking a five-day banking week and changes involving pensions, dearness allowance and pension-scheme options.
- Strike dates
- September 28-30
- Potential disruption period
- Up to five days, including preceding weekend holidays
- Digital payments
- Online banking, mobile apps, UPI and e-wallets can generally be used for EMIs and credit card bills
- Cash access
- ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines are expected to remain available
- Likely disruptions
- Branch services involving physical documents, cheque processing or staff assistance
- Organizing body
- United Forum of Bank Unions
- Key demands
- A five-day banking week, pension updates, a uniform dearness allowance formula and an option to switch from the National Pension System to the old pension scheme