Bank Strike September 28-30: Bank customers may see changes in branch services next week as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026. The group says it represents around 90% of the banking workforce. The strike is coming right after the weekend holidays, which had raised fears of a five-day disruption.
September 26 is a Saturday and banks would normally be closed that day. Sunday, September 27, is also normally a bank holiday. However, the government has made a special arrangement for Sunday to give customers another day to handle important banking work.
The Finance Ministry said that all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will work normally on September 27. The Reserve Bank of India has also approved the opening of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on that day.
The ministry said, “In order to ensure that the genuine banking needs of the public are not adversely affected for an extended period, all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, the 27th of September, 2026.”
What Banking Services Can Customers Use?
Branch work may be affected during the September 28-30 strike. Banks have advised customers to finish important work before the strike dates.
Digital banking services are expected to remain available. Customers can use ATMs, UPI, internet banking and mobile banking for many routine needs. SBI has also asked customers to use ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines, Customer Service Points and digital channels during the strike.
Cash machines and online services can therefore help with basic transactions. But some branch-based work may face delays. These can include cheque-related work, settlements and other services that need bank staff. The strike also falls on September 30, which is the banking sector’s half-year closing date and could add pressure to some operations.
Why are Bank Employees Going On Strike?
The main demand from the UFBU is a five-day banking week. At present, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays. The unions want every Saturday to become a holiday.
The unions are also asking for pension updates and improvements. Other demands include a common dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to move to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
The UFBU had also held a nationwide strike on September 11 over employee demands. The government and bank managements have asked the unions to call off the September 28-30 action while steps are being taken to reduce the impact on customers.
