# Finance Ministry denies committing to five-day banking week

2026-09-25T17:11:34+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 5 independent outlets

The Finance Ministry has denied committing to a five-day work week for banks, contradicting claims by bank unions that the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) had agreed to the proposal as part of the 12th Bipartite Settlement signed in March 2024. Government sources told PTI that the proposal was forwarded for consideration but no commitment was made. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), claiming to represent 90% of the banking workforce, has called a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30 over the demand and other issues including pension improvements and an option to switch from the National Pension System to the old pension scheme. The strike coincides with banks' half-yearly closing. To minimise disruption, the government has ordered public sector banks to remain open on Sunday, September 27, and directed departments to disburse September salaries and pensions in advance on September 25. The Finance Ministry has urged unions to resolve the matter through dialogue.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The government's denial of any commitment on the five-day week frames the strike as a unilateral action by unions, while the unions cite the signed bipartite settlement as evidence of an agreement. Both sides agree the proposal is under government consideration, but they disagree on whether it was a done deal. The timing of the strike during half-yearly closing gives unions leverage, while the government's advance salary disbursement signals it expects disruption. The outcome depends on whether the government reconsiders the proposal or the unions escalate to the indefinite strike planned from October 26.

## Coverage

- newindianexpress.com (neutral report) <https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Sep/25/we-never-committed-to-five-day-workweek-for-banks-finance-ministry-sources>
  Leads with government denial, reports union counterclaim without slant
- thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/no-commitment-given-to-bank-unions-on-five-day-work-week-by-finance-ministry-report/article71508784.ece>
  Reports both sides with equal weight, includes government steps
- timesnownews.com (neutral report) <https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/bank-strike-2026-finance-ministry-clarifies-stand-on-5-day-work-week-ahead-of-sept-28-strike-article-156224911>
  Straight PTI-sourced report, no editorialising
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/no-such-commitment-finance-ministry-denies-agreeing-to-5-day-bank-week-ahead-of-strike-says-report/articleshow/134485106.cms>
  Straight news report, quotes sources on both sides
- livemint.com (neutral report) <https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/bank-strike-from-september-28-30-are-banks-closed-for-5-days-from-saturday-sept-26-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-11790343138450.html>
  Customer-service focus, lists strike details and banking hours

Tags: Finance Ministry, five-day work week, Indian Banks Association, strike, United Forum of Bank Unions
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