THREE-DAY NATIONWIDE BANK STRIKE TO DISRUPT BRANCH SERVICES FROM MONDAY

September 28, 2026

Banking services across India are expected to face disruptions from Monday as bank unions begin a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The action, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), is expected to particularly affect public-sector banks and regional rural banks.

Customers may face difficulties with branch-based services including cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque processing, account-related work and other transactions requiring physical banking infrastructure. The strike also coincides with the half-yearly financial closing on September 30, potentially adding to processing delays.

The unions are principally seeking implementation of a five-day banking week, under which all Saturdays would become holidays. They have also raised other pending service-related demands, including issues concerning performance-linked incentives and pension-related matters.

Digital banking services are expected to remain available during the strike, including UPI, internet and mobile banking and ATM transactions, although availability of individual services may vary. Private-sector banks are also expected to experience less disruption than participating public-sector institutions.

The government had allowed public-sector banks and regional rural banks to operate on Sunday, September 27, ahead of the strike, in an effort to provide customers an additional day to complete urgent branch-related transactions.