Archive · 27 Sep 2026
Three-Day Bank Strike May Disrupt Branch Services Nationwide
Bank employees plan to stop work for three days starting September 28.
Some bank branches may be closed or provide fewer services.
Cash deposits, cash withdrawals and cheque processing could be delayed at participating banks.
Branches of ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank are expected to remain open.
People can still use UPI, mobile banking and internet banking for many everyday transactions.
ATMs and cash machines may also be used, but their cash supply can vary.
Customers may also find help through Customer Service Points or Business Correspondents where available.
Bank unions want a five-day workweek and other benefits, while the finance ministry wants the issues settled through discussions.
A nationwide bank strike is scheduled for September 28-30, 2026, potentially disrupting participating branches.
Public sector banks, old-generation private banks and regional rural banks may face disruptions to cash and cheque services.
ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank branches are expected to remain open during the strike.
UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs and ADWMs are expected to remain available, subject to normal service conditions.
The United Forum of Bank Unions is seeking a five-day workweek and other pension-related changes, while the finance ministry has urged dialogue.
- Who
- Employees represented by the United Forum of Bank Unions, an umbrella body of seven bank unions and about eight lakh employees, are expected to participate; the finance ministry has urged dialogue.
- What
- A three-day nationwide bank strike that may disrupt some branch-based banking services while leaving many digital and alternative channels available.
- When
- September 28-30, 2026, beginning Monday, September 28.
- Where
- Bank branches nationwide, particularly participating public sector banks, old-generation private banks and regional rural banks.
- Why
- Bank unions are seeking a five-day workweek and changes related to pension benefits, dearness allowance and pension options for employees covered under the National Pension System.
Bank Unions
Finance Ministry
Strike demands
Bank Unions
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the strike while seeking a five-day workweek and changes involving pension benefits, dearness allowance and pension options for employees covered under the National Pension System.
Finance Ministry
The finance ministry says most union concerns have been substantially addressed, while the remaining demand is still being examined.
How to resolve the dispute
Bank Unions
The unions are proceeding with the nationwide strike over long-pending demands.
Finance Ministry
The finance ministry has urged employees to call off strike action, continue discussions and ensure banking services remain uninterrupted.
Performance-linked incentive scheme
Bank Unions
The unions have sought withdrawal of the performance-linked incentive scheme, according to the ministry's statement.
Finance Ministry
The ministry said the scheme had been kept in abeyance earlier in the month after detailed discussions.
- Strike dates
- September 28-30, 2026
- Calling organization
- United Forum of Bank Unions
- Employees represented
- About eight lakh employees across seven bank unions
- Potentially affected branches
- Public sector banks, old-generation private banks and regional rural banks
- Potentially affected services
- Branch cash deposits, cash withdrawals and cheque clearance
- Expected open branches
- ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank branches
- Available alternatives
- UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, ADWMs, Customer Service Points and Business Correspondents, where available
- Main demands
- A five-day workweek, pension benefits, dearness allowance and pension options for National Pension System employees
