New Delhi: Banking operations across India are poised for significant disruptions this festive season as bank unions have called for a series of nationwide strikes starting September 11, 2026. Spearheaded by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the agitation is primarily driven by the long-pending demand for a five-day working week and disagreements over the proposed Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) structure.
Following the one-day strike on Friday, September 11, the unions have also proposed a three-day consecutive bank strike from September 28 to 30. Furthermore, union representatives have warned of an indefinite nationwide strike beginning October 26, 2026, if their demands remain unaddressed by the central government.
The core of the dispute lies in the official implementation of the five-day work week. According to union officials, a consensus was successfully reached between the bank unions and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) back in March 2024. The agreed-upon proposal stipulated that banks would remain closed on all Saturdays, compensating the lost time with a 40-minute increase in daily working hours from Monday to Friday. Despite the IBA’s formal approval, the government has yet to issue an official notification, sparking widespread resentment among banking staff.
In addition to the five-day work week, the unions are heavily protesting the newly proposed PLI framework. Union representatives argue that the proposed structure is flawed and creates unnecessary disparities between standard employees and bank officers.
The upcoming strikes will predominantly paralyze operations at public sector banks (PSBs). Institutions including the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of India, Union Bank, Indian Bank, Bank of Baroda, Central Bank, and Canara Bank are expected to witness a complete halt in branch operations. Customers visiting branches will be unable to access standard physical services such as cheque clearances, passbook updates, and cash deposits or withdrawals. However, major private sector banks are unlikely to be affected by this agitation.
To minimize public inconvenience, banking authorities have clarified that digital channels will remain fully operational. Customers will continue to have uninterrupted access to net banking, mobile banking, UPI payments, online fund transfers, and ATM cash withdrawals during the strike days. With the combination of strikes, routine weekends, and upcoming festive holidays, customers are strongly advised to plan their branch-related financial activities well in advance.