Three-day bank strike from Sept 28, govt opens banks on Sunday

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called a nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, demanding a five-day banking week, pension revisions, and other employee welfare measures. The strike coincides with banks' half-yearly closing on September 30, potentially disrupting branch services at public sector banks and regional rural banks. New-generation private banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank are expected to operate normally.

To reduce customer inconvenience, the government has directed public sector banks and regional rural banks to open on Sunday, September 27. The Reserve Bank of India has also approved branch operations on that day. SBI and Bank of India have advised customers to complete urgent transactions in advance and use digital channels like YONO, UPI, ATMs, and mobile banking. The Finance Ministry has urged unions to withdraw the strike, stating that many demands have already been addressed.

Update, 30 September 2026: The All India Bank Officers' Association has advised its members not to report for work on Sunday, 27 September, calling it a holiday under the Industrial Disputes Act, Livemint and Economic Times report. Public sector banks and regional rural banks opened on Sunday, 27 September, as directed by the government, Hindustan Times, India TV and Times of India add.