Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Bank Strike and Holidays May Close Branches Four Days
Bank workers in India are planning to go on strike on January 27, 2026.
They want to work only five days a week, like many government offices.
Because of this, banks might be closed for four days in a row from January 24 to January 27.
This is because January 24 is a Saturday, January 25 is a Sunday, January 26 is Republic Day, and January 27 is the strike day.
The workers say they will work a bit longer each day from Monday to Friday to make up for the Saturday closure.
Customers are advised to use digital banking services like UPI and ATMs during this time.
Additionally, banks in Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal are closed today for Saraswati Puja, Basant Panchami, and Netaji's birthday, making it a long weekend off in these states.
Bank employees plan a nationwide strike on January 27, 2026, demanding a five-day work week.
Banks could be closed for four consecutive days from January 24-27, 2026, due to the strike and holidays.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) proposes 40 extra minutes of work daily from Monday to Friday to maintain service levels.
Digital banking services like UPI, internet banking, and ATMs are expected to remain operational.
Bank unions argue that a five-day work week will improve work-life balance and productivity in the long run.
- Who
- Bank employees across India
- What
- Nationwide strike for a five-day work week and regional holidays
- When
- January 27, 2026, with potential closure from January 24-27, 2026
- Where
- All bank branches across India, with regional closures in Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal
- Why
- Demand for a five-day work week to improve work-life balance and productivity, and regional holidays
Bank Unions
Bank Management
Five-Day Work Week
Bank Unions
Bank unions argue that a five-day work week will improve work-life balance and productivity in the long run.
Bank Management
Bank management may have concerns about maintaining service levels with reduced working days.
- Strike Date
- January 27, 2026
- Reason for Strike
- Five-day work week demand
- Potential Closure Duration
- January 24-27, 2026
- Proposed Solution
- 40 extra minutes daily, Monday-Friday
- Affected Services
- Branch-related services
- Alternative Services
- Digital banking, UPI, ATMs
- Regional Holidays
- Saraswati Puja, Basant Panchami, Netaji's birthday in Odisha, Tripura, West Bengal
- Total Bank Holidays in January 2026
- 16
Sources
Banks May Remain Closed For Four Straight Days, Strike Over Five-Day Work Week Raises Alarm
Bank employees across Rajasthan stage protests demanding five-day week
Bank holiday today: Are banks closed for Saraswati Puja, Basant Panchami, Netaji's birthday? Check RBI calendar
Demand for 5-day work week in banking industry intensifies
Bank Unions To Go On Strike On January 27
Banks Likely Shut For Four Days From Tomorrow Due To Holidays, Strike: Check Details
