Archive · 22 Sep 2026
India Banks Prepare for Three-Day Strike and Disruptions
Bank employees in India plan to stop working for three days from September 28 to 30, 2026.
They want banks to operate five days a week instead of the current arrangement.
Since the two days before the strike are weekend holidays, some branches could be closed for five days in a row.
People should finish tasks like depositing cash, handling cheques, updating KYC details and submitting documents before the strike.
UPI, internet banking and mobile banking should continue working for many routine payments.
ATMs and other cash machines are also expected to be available, although customers who need cash are encouraged to plan ahead.
Some services, especially loan processing and other work requiring employees at a branch, may be slower or unavailable.
The unions say they may begin a longer strike on October 26 if their demands are not resolved.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called a nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, 2026, seeking a five-day banking week.
Because September 26 and 27 are holidays, some customers could face five consecutive days without regular branch services.
State Bank of India, Union Bank of India and other lenders are advising customers to complete branch-based work early and use digital channels.
UPI, internet and mobile banking, ATMs, automated deposit and withdrawal machines, customer service centres and other alternative channels are expected to remain available.
The government says the performance-linked incentive scheme has been put in abeyance, while unions have threatened an indefinite strike from October 26 if demands remain unresolved.
- Who
- The United Forum of Bank Unions, representing bank employees and officers, has called the strike; the government, public-sector banks and bank customers are also affected.
- What
- A proposed three-day nationwide bank strike over a five-day banking week and other employment-related demands, with possible disruption to branch services.
- When
- September 28–30, 2026; September 26 and 27 are listed as preceding holidays, and an indefinite strike has been threatened from October 26.
- Where
- Across India, including public-sector bank branches such as State Bank of India and Union Bank of India.
- Why
- The unions are seeking a five-day banking week and action on issues involving wages, pensions and the performance-linked incentive scheme.
Bank Unions
Government and Bank Management
Five-day banking week
Bank Unions
The United Forum of Bank Unions is striking to demand implementation of a five-day banking week, which it says was promised in 2024.
Government and Bank Management
The government says the five-day workweek remains under consideration and has urged employees to cancel the strike.
Performance-linked incentive scheme
Bank Unions
The unions continue to list the performance-linked incentive scheme among pending issues and demands.
Government and Bank Management
The government says it has addressed this demand by keeping the performance-linked incentive scheme in abeyance.
Impact on customers
Bank Unions
The unions’ action could interrupt branch-based services, particularly work requiring physical processing such as loan applications and document handling.
Government and Bank Management
Banks say they are preparing by filling ATMs, deploying additional manpower and promoting digital channels, although branch operations may vary by location and staffing.
- Proposed strike
- September 28–30, 2026
- Potential branch disruption
- Customers could face five consecutive days without regular branch operations because September 26 and 27 are holidays.
- Digital services
- UPI, internet banking, mobile banking and other digital channels are expected to remain available for routine transactions.
- Cash access
- State Bank of India and Union Bank of India have advised customers to use ATMs and automated deposit and withdrawal machines; customers needing cash should plan ahead.
- Branch tasks to complete early
- Cash deposits, cheque-related work, document submission, KYC updates and other in-person services.
- Government position
- The government has urged employees to call off the strike and said the performance-linked incentive scheme has been kept in abeyance.
- Further action
- The United Forum of Bank Unions has announced an indefinite strike from October 26 if demands remain unresolved.
