IDBI Bank strike on November 2 and 3, 2026: Bank advises customers to use digital channels; removes fee on non-IDBI ATM withdrawals

IDBI Bank employees today begin a two-day strike (November 2 and 3, 2026), opposing the government’s decision to sell its and Life Insurance Corporation of India’s (LIC’s) combined 60% stake in the bank to Canadian investor Fairfax Financial Holdings.

Even as the two-day strike started, IDBI has issued a customer advisory, suggesting them to use digital channels.


In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), IDBI has said that due to the proposed strike on November 20-3, 2026, digital channels (Go Mobile+, net banking, UPI), Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and Customer Service Points (CSPs) will remain fully operational.

The bank also informed that non-IDBI ATM cash withdrawals will be free of charge.


What did IDBI Bank say in its social media message?

In its post on X, IDBI said, “IDBI Bank has received a notice of strike by the association/union on November 2 and 3, 2026. The bank will endeavour to keep all banking transactions normal during the proposed days of the bank strike.”

IDBI, in the post, further said that as a measure of abundant caution, we appeal to our esteemed customers to complete their important banking transactions in advance of the strike dates.

• IDBI Bank has given six key suggestions to its customers for the two-day strike.
• Complete important banking transactions in advance of the strike dates
• Use ATM/Bunch Note Acceptor (BNAS) for their cash requirements
• Utilise Customer Service Points (CSPs), wherever applicable, and
• Use internet banking, Go Mobile+, UPI, and other digital banking channels for their banking requirements, which will be seamlessly available
• Use banking correspondent services/Sameep Outlets to meet customer banking needs
• Customers can withdraw cash from other banks’ ATMs, in case of need, free of charge during the aforesaid two days

What IDBI employees said in their letter about strike

The United Forum of IDBI Officers & Employees, in a letter dated October 31, 2026, written to S Kamble, Conciliation Officer under the ID Act 1947 and RLC (C), Mumbai, said that IDBI Bank’s regional heads (RHs), zonal heads (ZHs) and executive directors (EDs) are threatening employees with punitive action for participating in the proposed strike on November 2 and 3, 2026.

“Such intimidation and coercion are unacceptable. Members have recorded these calls as evidence. We request your immediate intervention and directions to the bank management to stop victimisation and respect employees’ legitimate trade union rights,” says the letter, also available on the association’s official X account.


UFBU holds badge-wearing programme for IDBI employees

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has also extended its solidarity to IDBI employees holding their strike on November 2 and 3.


“As a solidarity programme, on the day of their strike, on November 2, 2026, we call upon all our members to observe the badge-wearing programme,” says the UFBU.