New Delhi: Banking services including cheque clearance, cash withdrawals and deposits are likely to be affected as bank unions begin a three-day nationwide strike from Monday over the demand for a five-day working week and other pending issues.
The impact is expected to be felt mainly across public sector banks, private banks and regional rural banks (RRBs). Digital banking and other online services are likely to continue as usual.
Branches of new-generation private banks such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank are expected to remain open during the three-day strike. The strike follows a one-day nationwide strike held on September 11.
Most public sector banks and other financial institutions have already informed customers about the strike and the possible disruption to services.
The State Bank of India (SBI), in an advisory to customers, said efforts would be made to provide essential services at branches and offices, although some services could be affected during the strike. It advised customers to complete essential banking transactions before the proposed strike dates and use ATMs, cash deposit machines, YONO, internet and mobile banking, UPI and other digital channels wherever possible.
The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the umbrella organisation of seven unions representing bank employees and officers. The UFBU has warned that if its demands are not addressed, an indefinite strike could begin from October 26, 2026.
Five-day week remains key demand
The demand for a five-day banking week has remained pending for several years. According to union leaders, the government did not give any concrete assurance on implementing the five-day work week during recent conciliation meetings with the Chief Labour Commissioner.
AIBOC general secretary Roopam Roy said the unions were forced to take the path of agitation because of what he described as the “rigid attitude” of the government and management.
The unions argue that a five-day working week is already in place in several government and financial institutions. NCBE general secretary L Chandrasekhar said the system was already followed in Central and state government offices, the RBI, LIC, GIC, NABARD and several other institutions. He also pointed out that the stock, money and foreign exchange markets operate five days a week.
Apart from the five-day working week, the unions are seeking improvements in pension benefits, a uniform dearness allowance (DA) formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
The Finance Ministry, meanwhile, has appealed to bank employees not to resort to a strike and to resolve the remaining demands through dialogue. The ministry said earlier this week that most of the unions’ concerns had already been addressed to a considerable extent.
