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Bank Strike May Disrupt Branch Services Across India
Bank workers’ unions in India have called a strike for September 28, 29 and 30, 2026.
They are unhappy about changes involving performance-based payments and want banks to open five days a week.
September 26 is already a fourth-Saturday holiday.
September 27 is a Sunday, although one headline says banks will remain open that day, contradicting the article’s detailed schedule.
Together, the weekend and strike could affect branch services from September 26 through September 30.
People may have difficulty making counter deposits, withdrawing cash at branches, depositing cheques or accessing lockers.
ATMs and online services such as UPI and internet banking are expected to keep working.
The government has asked employees not to strike and to continue discussions.
Banks including SBI have advised customers to complete branch work early and use digital alternatives.
UFBU has called a nationwide bank strike for September 28-30, 2026.
Unions cite disputes over the PLI scheme and demand a five-day banking week.
September 26 is the fourth Saturday holiday, while September 27 is Sunday.
The weekend and strike could disrupt branch banking for five consecutive days.
ATMs, UPI, internet banking, mobile apps and other digital services are expected to continue.
- Who
- The United Forum of Bank Unions and other bank employee organisations, with the Finance Ministry and banks including State Bank of India involved in the response.
- What
- A proposed three-day nationwide bank employees’ strike over the Performance Linked Incentive scheme and demands including a five-day banking week.
- Where
- Across India, particularly affecting branch banking.
- When
- The strike is scheduled for September 28-30, 2026; September 26 is the fourth Saturday and September 27 is Sunday. The articles contain a conflicting headline saying banks will remain open on September 27.
- Why
- Unions oppose what they describe as unfair or unilateral PLI changes and seek a five-day banking week, among other pension-related demands.
Bank unions
Government and banks
Performance Linked Incentive scheme
Bank unions
UFBU says the revised PLI formula was changed unilaterally and unfairly, and opposes implementation while the dispute is pending.
Government and banks
The Finance Ministry says the PLI scheme has already been kept in abeyance, so the remaining issue should be addressed through dialogue.
Five-day banking week
Bank unions
Unions are demanding immediate implementation of a five-day banking week, saying the proposal has been pending since the 2024 wage settlement.
Government and banks
The government says the five-day workweek remains under consideration and has appealed to employees not to strike.
Effect on customers
Bank unions
The unions’ planned action may limit branch-based services during the strike period.
Government and banks
The Finance Ministry and banks are reviewing contingency plans, while SBI is advising customers to use ATMs, customer service points and digital channels.
Key facts
- Strike dates
- September 28-30, 2026
- Weekend closure
- September 26 is the fourth Saturday; September 27 is Sunday according to the detailed schedules.
- Potential disruption
- Branch services may be affected for five consecutive days from September 26-30.
- Union body
- United Forum of Bank Unions represents close to 90% of India’s bank officers and staff, according to the article.
- Main dispute
- The revised Performance Linked Incentive scheme and the demand for a five-day banking week.
- Expected available services
- ATMs, UPI, IMPS, internet banking, mobile banking, YONO and other digital services are expected to function.
- Likely affected services
- Over-the-counter transactions, cheque processing, demand draft issuance and locker access may be delayed or unavailable.
Sources
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