Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Bank Unions Announce September Strikes, Threaten Indefinite Action
Bank employees’ unions in India have announced strikes in September.
The first strike is planned for September 11, and another is planned from September 28 to 30.
Many bank branches, especially public sector branches, may be affected.
Weekend and other scheduled holidays could make the disruption last several days in a row.
The unions want banks to close every Saturday and Sunday.
They also want the performance-linked incentive system withdrawn.
Pension and wage-revision issues are among their other concerns.
ATMs and online banking may still work, depending on each bank’s cash and technical services.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called strikes on September 11 and September 28–30.
The action could disrupt banking services nationwide, particularly at public sector bank branches.
The late-September strike may extend disruption to five consecutive days with scheduled weekend closures beforehand.
The unions are demanding a five-day banking week and withdrawal of the performance-linked incentive system.
The UFBU has threatened an indefinite strike from October 26 if its demands remain unresolved.
- Who
- The United Forum of Bank Unions, an umbrella body representing nine bank employees’ and officers’ unions.
- What
- Two nationwide strike spells totaling four strike days, along with a warning of indefinite action.
- When
- September 11 and September 28–30; an indefinite strike has been threatened from October 26.
- Where
- Across India, with public sector bank branches expected to be particularly affected.
- Why
- To seek a five-day banking week, withdrawal of the performance-linked incentive system, improved pension benefits, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners, and resolution of wage-revision demands.
- Organiser
- United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU)
- Strike dates
- September 11 and September 28–30
- Potential further action
- Indefinite strike from October 26 if demands are not addressed
- Main demands
- A five-day banking week and withdrawal of the performance-linked incentive system
- Pension issues
- Improved pension benefits and a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners
- Expected disruption
- The late-September action could contribute to five consecutive days of branch closures when combined with the fourth Saturday and Sunday holidays
- Digital services
- ATMs and digital banking may continue, depending on bank-specific cash and technical availability
