BANKS TO FUNCTION NORMALLY AS THREE-DAY NATIONWIDE STRIKE IS DEFERRED

September 28, 2026

Bank branches across India are expected to function normally from Monday after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) deferred its proposed three-day nationwide strike scheduled for September 28 to 30. The decision followed late-night discussions between the UFBU and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) on Sunday.

The strike had been planned over several demands, with the implementation of a five-day banking week remaining a central issue. Bank unions have sought the declaration of all remaining Saturdays as holidays, along with changes concerning pension benefits and the Performance Linked Incentive scheme.

Under the understanding reached between the two sides, a high-level committee comprising representatives of the IBA and UFBU will examine the demand for Saturday holidays, consult stakeholders and consider possible alternatives. Discussions will also begin on the PLI scheme applicable to Scale IV and above officers, as well as other pending issues from earlier negotiations.

For customers, the immediate effect is that September 28 will not be a nationwide strike day and regular branch operations are expected to continue. However, the strike has been deferred rather than permanently cancelled, while negotiations on the unions’ outstanding demands continue.