Archive · 26 Sep 2026
Banks Urge Customers to Prepare for Three-Day September Strike
Bank employees are planning a three-day strike from September 28 to September 30.
One bank advisory says these dates are in 2026.
The strike could affect services at bank branches across the country.
Banks are asking customers to finish important work before the strike begins.
Customers may still be able to use ATMs, mobile banking, internet banking, UPI and other digital services.
Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks are expected or permitted to open normally on Sunday, September 27.
The employees want banks to adopt a five-day working week and are challenging the Performance Linked Incentive system.
They have warned of a longer strike if their demands are not resolved.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called a nationwide strike for September 28-30; one advisory identifies the dates as 2026.
State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and other lenders urged customers to complete essential transactions early.
ATMs, customer service points, mobile and internet banking, UPI, YONO and other digital channels are expected to remain available.
Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks have been instructed or permitted to operate normally on Sunday, September 27.
The unions are seeking a five-day banking week and changes to the Performance Linked Incentive scheme, and have threatened an indefinite strike from October 26.
- Who
- The United Forum of Bank Unions and participating bank employees; several public sector and private sector banks issued customer advisories.
- What
- A proposed three-day nationwide bank strike and advice to complete essential transactions in advance.
- When
- September 28-30; one advisory explicitly refers to September 28-30, 2026. Banks are expected or permitted to operate on Sunday, September 27.
- Where
- Across India, with branch and office services potentially affected nationwide.
- Why
- The unions are demanding a five-day banking week and opposing the revised Performance Linked Incentive framework.
Bank Unions
Banks and Customers
Five-day banking week
Bank Unions
The unions want banks to adopt a five-day working week, similar to the working arrangements cited for the Reserve Bank of India and Life Insurance Corporation of India.
Banks and Customers
Banks are focusing on helping customers complete essential branch transactions before the strike and use digital channels during the disruption.
Performance incentives
Bank Unions
The unions oppose the revised Performance Linked Incentive framework, citing differences in incentives between senior officials and lower-level employees.
Banks and Customers
Bank advisories do not address the merits of the incentive dispute but emphasize continued access through ATMs and digital services.
Potential disruption
Bank Unions
The unions have announced the strike and warned of an indefinite nationwide stoppage from October 26 if their demands remain unresolved.
Banks and Customers
Banks are warning customers that some branch services may be affected and are encouraging advance planning to reduce inconvenience.
- Strike dates
- September 28-30; Bank of India’s advisory specifies 2026
- Organizing body
- United Forum of Bank Unions, which says it represents 90% of the banking workforce
- Customer advice
- Complete essential transactions before the proposed strike
- Digital channels
- ATMs, ADWMs, customer service or BC points, YONO, internet banking, mobile banking and UPI
- September 27 operations
- Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks have been instructed or permitted to conduct normal operations
- Main demands
- A five-day banking week and withdrawal or revision of the Performance Linked Incentive scheme
- Possible escalation
- An indefinite nationwide strike could begin October 26 if demands remain unresolved
