Bank strike reason: Why are employees going on a strike from September 28 and threatening indefinite strike from October 26?

Public sector bank employees are set to go on a three-day strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026, which could disrupt banking services across India.

The key demand behind the strike is the implementation of a five-day working week, among other demands.

The UFBU and other public sector bank unions, with support from Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), have called for a three-day strike from September 28, followed by an indefinite work stoppage from October 26, demanding the implementation of a five-day working week for banks.


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Bank strike reason: Why bank employees are on strike?

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which claims to represent 90 per cent of the banking workforce, has asked for the implementation and introduction of 5 days banking.

UFBU's other demands include an update and improvement of pension, a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to move to the old pension scheme (OPS).

Additionally, the unions have primarily asked for the withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The government has said it has already decided to keep the PLI scheme in abeyance following discussions with unions, while the remaining demand for a five-day workweek continues to be examined.

Read more: Bank Strike Dates: Are private banks also closed from September 28–30? Know which banks may be affected and what customers should do

Bank unions under the UFBU had also gone on a nationwide strike on September 11 over their demands.

Bank strike: Indefinite strike from Oct 26

After announcing a strike from September 28, the UFBU and other public sector bank unions have warned of an indefinite work stoppage from October 26, demanding the implementation of a five-day working week for banks.

Banks to remain open of Sunday

In view of the strike, public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain open and function normally on Sunday, September 27, as the government moves to ensure uninterrupted banking services, according to a release by the Ministry of Finance.

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the opening of all bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27, allowing them to remain fully operational, the ministry added.

Key points to remember as customers:

Ahead of the strike, it is important for the customers to plan their banking requirements in advance to minimise inconvenience as there are possibilities of an impact on services.

Here are some steps customers can consider:

• Customers who need to visit a branch or require assistance from bank staff should try to complete such tasks before the proposed strike period.
• Mobile banking apps can be used to access a range of routine banking services without visiting a branch.
• ATMs can be used for cash withdrawals and other services available during the strike period.
• Online banking platforms allow customers to manage fund transfers, payments and other routine transactions remotely.
• UPI can be used for digital payments and money transfers, subject to service availability.

Bank Strike FAQs

Till will Public Sector banks are on strike?
The strike is sceduled from September 26 to 30, 2026.

Will ATM services work during the bank strike?
ATMs are expected to remain operational, although availability of cash and other services may vary.

Will mobile banking work during the bank strike?
Yes, Mobile banking services will be available.

Will cheque clearing be affected by the bank strike?
Cheque-related services may be delayed if processing or clearing operations are affected by the strike

What banking services can customers use during the strike?
Customers can use ATMs, UPI, mobile banking and internet banking for several routine transactions, subject to service availability.