Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Nationwide Bank Strikes Threaten Services as Lenders Issue Alerts
Several bank unions in India plan to strike on multiple dates.
The first planned strike is on September 11.
More strikes are planned for September 28, 29 and 30.
The unions may start an indefinite strike on October 26, 2026, if talks do not solve their concerns.
The unions want banks to operate five days a week instead of six.
They also want changes to a pay-related incentive scheme.
Some banks have warned customers that services could be slower or interrupted.
The banks say they will try to keep branches and offices operating.
The government has paused the current incentive scheme while discussions continue.
Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Punjab National Bank warned of possible service disruptions during planned strikes.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called strikes for September 11, September 28, 29 and 30.
The unions have threatened an indefinite strike from October 26, 2026, if their demands remain unresolved.
Key demands include a five-day banking week and changes to the performance-linked incentive scheme for public-sector bank employees.
The government has paused the 2025-26 incentive scheme while negotiations continue over employee benefits and compensation.
- Who
- The United Forum of Bank Unions and other bank employee and officer organisations are planning the strikes; affected lenders include Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Punjab National Bank.
- What
- Nationwide bank strikes have been announced, potentially disrupting normal banking services.
- When
- Strikes are planned for September 11 and September 28-30, with a possible indefinite strike from October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Across India, including branches and offices of participating banks.
- Why
- Unions are seeking a five-day banking week, changes to the performance-linked incentive scheme, and action on employment, welfare, compensation, ex-gratia and retiree healthcare concerns.
Bank Unions
Banks and Government
Working conditions and compensation
Bank Unions
The unions say employment, welfare and compensation issues require immediate attention and are demanding a five-day banking week and changes to the incentive scheme.
Banks and Government
The government has paused the 2025-26 incentive scheme and is considering it during negotiations for a new bipartite settlement and joint note.
Potential service disruption
Bank Unions
The unions have announced multiple strikes and threatened an indefinite walkout if their demands remain unresolved.
Banks and Government
Banks say arrangements have been made to keep branches and offices operational, but warn that normal services may still be affected if employees participate.
Employee benefits
Bank Unions
Employees have raised concerns about ex-gratia payments and healthcare benefits for retired staff.
Banks and Government
These issues are part of continuing discussions among employees, banks and the government rather than settled changes.
- First planned strike
- September 11
- Additional strike dates
- September 28, 29 and 30
- Possible indefinite strike
- From October 26, 2026
- Main union demands
- A five-day banking week and changes to the performance-linked incentive scheme
- Affected lenders issuing alerts
- Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Punjab National Bank
- Government action
- The 2025-26 performance-linked incentive scheme has been placed on hold
- Negotiations
- Discussions among employee representatives, banks and the government are continuing