Bank Strike: Customers Urged To Use Digital Channels Ahead of UFBU's 3-Day Nationwide Strike
Major public sector lenders have issued customer advisories as India faces a potential five-day disruption in banking services due to a three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, coinciding with weekend closures. To minimise public inconvenience, the RBI and government authorised banks to function normally on Sunday, September 27.
Banking operations across India are facing potential disruptions spanning up to five consecutive days, triggered by a planned three-day nationwide bank strike called by employee unions coinciding with weekend holidays. Major public sector lenders, including the State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian Bank, have issued formal customer advisories.
The industrial action, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), is set to run from September 28 to September 30, creating an extended operational hurdle coming right after the fourth Saturday and Sunday. Bank Strike Update: UFBU Confirms 3-Day Nationwide Walkout Starting September 28.
Union Demands and Background of the Bank Strike
The United Forum of Bank Unions - an umbrella organisation representing nearly 90 per cent of bank officers and employees - is pushing for the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek, a pending provision from the 2024 wage settlement. Additional demands include changes to the unilaterally revised performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, improved pension structures, a uniform dearness allowance formula for retirees, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. The timing of the strike overlaps with the crucial half-yearly closing of accounts on September 30, which authorities note could significantly impact treasury operations, cheque clearings, and corporate transactions.
SBI's Advisory Ahead of the 3-Day Nationwide Strike
— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) September 19, 2026
PNB Early Advisory for Customers
An Appeal to PNBians for Uninterrupted Banking: Keeping Services Running for Every Citizen.@DFS_India @FinMinIndia pic.twitter.com/zugtuCgSB1
— Punjab National Bank (@pnbindia) September 22, 2026
Bank Advisories and Digital Channels
To mitigate customer inconvenience, major public sector banks have issued public warnings urging account holders to complete urgent branch-related transactions in advance. State Bank of India (SBI) stated in its advisory:
"Dear Customer, Certain bank employees' unions have called for a 3-day strike from September 28 to 30. Please complete important transactions in advance. Use ATMs/ADWMs, CSPs, YONO, Internet/Mobile Banking, UPI & other digital channels."
Similarly, Indian Bank alerted its customer base, noting: "Due to proposed banking strike (28-30 Sept'26), banking services may be affected. Please use Mobile Banking, ATMs & digital channels." Other public sector lenders, including Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Union Bank of India, have also released customer guidance. No Bank Holiday This Sunday! Banks To Remain Open on September 27 Ahead of 3-Day Strike.
SBI To Remain Open on Sunday, September 27
Customer Advisory
All branches of State Bank of India will remain open and function normally on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
Customers may visit any SBI Branch for banking services.
SBI remains committed to offering uninterrupted and convenient banking facilities for all our… pic.twitter.com/Aein47pSt1
— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) September 24, 2026
All PNB Branches Will Remain Open On September 27
All PNB branches will remain open on Sunday, 27th September 2026, ensuring banking services are available for your convenience.@DFS_India @RBI @FinMinIndia
#PNB #PunjabNationalBank #CustomerConvenience #BankingServices pic.twitter.com/RL2YTCTT25
— Punjab National Bank (@pnbindia) September 24, 2026
Operations on Intervening Days and Digital Continuity
While physical bank branches will remain shut or non-functional during the strike window and regular closures, essential digital infrastructure will stay active. Bank officials have confirmed that internet banking applications, mobile banking portals, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and automated teller machines (ATMs) will continue to operate normally. Furthermore, to ease the build-up of transactions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorised public sector banks and regional rural banks to function normally on Sunday, September 27, ensuring that branches, currency chests, and office networks remained accessible ahead of the strike days.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 03:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
