Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Finance Ministry Plans for Bank Strike Amid Five-Day Disruption
Bank employees may go on strike from September 28 to September 30.
The strike could make branch banking difficult for several days because it follows a weekend.
It may also happen during the banking sector’s half-yearly closing period.
The United Forum of Bank Unions says workers want banks to operate five days a week.
They also want changes to pensions and other employee benefits.
The Ministry of Finance will meet bank leaders on September 21.
The meeting will discuss ways to keep important services working.
Customers can use ATMs and digital services such as mobile banking and UPI for many needs.
A three-day bank strike is scheduled for September 28-30 over employee demands, including a five-day banking week.
The Ministry of Finance will meet public sector bank and regional rural bank chiefs on September 21.
The meeting will consider contingency measures to maintain essential banking services during the potential strike.
The strike follows the September 26-27 weekend and coincides with the banking sector’s half-yearly closing.
ATMs, cash machines, net banking, mobile banking, YONO and UPI are expected to remain available.
- Who
- The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the strike; the Ministry of Finance will meet public sector bank and regional rural bank chiefs.
- What
- A three-day bank strike is scheduled, while officials will discuss measures to reduce service disruption.
- When
- The meeting is scheduled for September 21, and the strike for September 28-30, following the September 26-27 weekend.
- Where
- The disruption would affect bank branches, with its duration varying by state and bank holiday calendars.
- Why
- The unions are seeking a five-day banking week, pension-related changes and other employee benefits.
Bank Unions
Finance Ministry and Banks
Reason for the strike
Bank Unions
The United Forum of Bank Unions is pressing for a five-day banking week and other employee-related measures, including pension improvements.
Finance Ministry and Banks
The Ministry of Finance and bank managements are preparing contingency measures to preserve essential services if the strike occurs.
Customer impact
Bank Unions
The strike could interrupt branch operations during a period that also includes the banking sector’s half-yearly closing.
Finance Ministry and Banks
Customers are being advised to complete branch-related work in advance and use ATMs and digital banking channels during the disruption.
- Strike dates
- September 28-30
- Meeting date
- September 21
- Union body
- United Forum of Bank Unions
- Union representation
- UFBU says it represents 90% of officer and employee strength
- Main demand
- Implementation of a five-day banking week
- Potential duration
- Branch operations could be unavailable for up to five days including the preceding weekend
- Available channels
- ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines, net banking, mobile banking, YONO and UPI