New Delhi: Banking services could be disrupted from September 28 to 30 as unions begin a three-day nationwide strike on Monday, pressing for a five-day working week and settlement of pension-related demands.
Cheque clearance, cash withdrawals and deposits are likely to be affected, primarily at public sector banks, older private sector lenders and regional rural banks.
Services Under Pressure
Branches of newer private lenders, including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, will remain open during the strike. Digital banking and other online services are expected to remain available.
Several banks have alerted customers to possible disruption. SBI said it would try to maintain essential services, although some branch and office operations could be affected.
The lender advised customers to complete essential transactions beforehand and use ATMs, automated deposit-cum-withdrawal machines, YONO, internet banking, mobile banking and UPI wherever possible.
Unions Press Demands
The United Forum of Bank Unions, representing seven employee and officer unions, called the stoppage after a one-day nationwide strike on September 11.
The umbrella body has threatened an indefinite strike from October 26, 2026, unless its demands are addressed.
Union leaders said recent conciliation meetings before the Chief Labour Commissioner produced no government commitment on introducing a five-day banking week.
AIBOC general secretary Rupam Roy blamed government and management actions for the agitation. NCBE general secretary L Chandrasekhar said several government offices, financial institutions and markets already follow five-day schedules.
Other demands include improved pension benefits, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for National Pension System members to switch to the Old Pension Scheme.
Government Seeks Dialogue
The finance ministry appealed to employees to avoid strikes, saying most union concerns had been substantially addressed and outstanding demands remained under examination.
It said the performance-linked incentive scheme had been put in abeyance earlier this month after discussions.
The ministry urged unions to resolve remaining issues through dialogue and ensure banking services continued without interruption.
