Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Government Prepares For Three-Day Bank Strike
Bank unions in India have planned a three-day strike from September 28 to 30, 2026.
They want banks to operate five days a week and want more consistent pension rules.
September 26 and 27 are already weekend holidays, so the strike could make banking services difficult for several days.
To help, the government may pay central government salaries, wages and pensions early on September 25.
Banks, including Regional Rural Banks, will also open on Sunday, September 27.
This gives people an extra day to complete important bank work.
Customers can also use mobile banking, internet banking, UPI, ATMs and Business Correspondent points.
Banks have been told to keep enough cash in ATMs during the strike.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called a nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, 2026.
The union forum, which claims to represent about 90% of bank employees, is demanding a five-day banking week and improved, uniform pension provisions.
Central government salaries, wages and pensions may be paid early on September 25, with adjustments made from October 2026 payments if necessary.
Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks have been directed to operate normally on Sunday, September 27, before the strike.
Customers are advised to complete essential branch transactions early and use digital banking, UPI, ATMs and Business Correspondent points during the disruption.
- Who
- The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the strike; the Government of India, banks and the Reserve Bank of India are arranging measures to reduce disruption.
- What
- A three-day nationwide bank strike is planned, while salaries are being advanced and banks will open on a Sunday beforehand.
- When
- The strike is scheduled for September 28–30, 2026; salaries, wages and pensions may be paid on September 25, and banks will operate on September 27.
- Where
- Across India, including Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
- Why
- Bank unions are seeking a five-day banking week and improved, uniform pension provisions; authorities are trying to prevent an extended interruption after the weekend holidays.
Bank Unions
Government and Bank Management
Reason for the strike
Bank Unions
The United Forum of Bank Unions is pressing for a five-day banking week and improved pension provisions, including uniform dearness allowance rules and an option for some NPS-covered employees to move to the Old Pension Scheme.
Government and Bank Management
The government, the Indian Banks’ Association and bank management have appealed to the unions to defer or cancel the strike.
Outcome of discussions
Bank Unions
After a September 22 conciliation meeting, the union forum said it would consider deferring the action only if there were concrete and positive progress toward five-day banking.
Government and Bank Management
The conciliation meeting involving union representatives and the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner produced no result, so preparations for the planned disruption continued.
Managing customer disruption
Bank Unions
The strike, following the September 26–27 weekend holidays, could create a prolonged interruption in branch-based banking services.
Government and Bank Management
Authorities are opening banks on September 27, advancing central government payments and encouraging digital channels, ATMs and Business Correspondent points to limit disruption.
- Strike dates
- September 28–30, 2026
- Calling organization
- United Forum of Bank Unions
- Claimed representation
- About 90% of the banking workforce
- Union demands
- A five-day banking week and improved, uniform pension provisions
- Advance payments
- Central government salaries, wages and pensions may be paid on September 25
- Sunday banking
- Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks are to operate normally on September 27
- Customer alternatives
- Mobile banking, internet banking, UPI, ATMs and Business Correspondent points
