Bank Strike September 28-30: SBI Issues Customer Advisory
Banking services across the country could face disruptions later this month as major public sector bank unions prepare to go on a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30. Ahead of the proposed industrial action, the State Bank of India (SBI) issued a regulatory advisory warning
Banking services across India could face disruptions from September 28 to 30 as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called a three-day nationwide strike. State Bank of India (SBI) has advised customers to plan important branch-related transactions in advance, while saying it has made arrangements to keep branches and offices functioning. The bank, however, has cautioned that operations may still be affected if employees participate in the strike.
The three-day action follows a one-day nationwide strike held on September 11. The unions have also announced a proposed continuous strike from October 26, 2026, if their demands remain unresolved. SBI Bank Strike: Will Services Be Hit on September 11? Check Strike Dates, Impact.
SBI Issues Customer Advisory Ahead of Bank Strike on September 28-30
— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) September 19, 2026
SBI Issues Advisory to Customers
SBI has informed customers about the possibility of disruptions arising from the strike notices served by UFBU. The bank said it is taking necessary steps to maintain normal functioning at its branches and offices. At the same time, SBI has acknowledged that work may be affected during the proposed strike dates.
Customers who require services that depend on branch staff are therefore advised to complete time-sensitive work before September 28, where possible. Bank Strike Today: Banking Services Hit Across India Over 5-Day Workweek and Pending Demands.
Bank Strike Dates in September
The current strike programme announced by UFBU includes:
- September 28, 2026 — Monday
- September 29, 2026 — Tuesday
- September 30, 2026 — Wednesday
UFBU had earlier observed a nationwide strike on September 11. The union body has also announced a continuous strike beginning October 26 if the issues remain unresolved.
Why Are Bank Employees Going on Strike?
The unions' main demands include implementation of a five-day banking week and changes to the government's Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
UFBU has said the five-day banking proposal had already been agreed upon between the Indian Banks' Association and the unions under the 12th Bipartite Settlement/9th Joint Note signed in March 2024. The unions are seeking implementation of the proposal.
The unions are also opposing the current PLI framework and are seeking changes through discussions with the banking authorities.
Other issues raised by UFBU include pension-related matters, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and other pending demands. These positions are those of the unions and remain part of the ongoing dispute.
Will SBI Branches Be Closed?
SBI has not announced a blanket closure of all branches for the three strike days. Instead, it has said that arrangements are being made for normal functioning but warned that participation by employees could affect operations. The actual level of disruption may therefore vary between branches and locations depending on employee participation.
Customers with urgent work involving cash deposits or withdrawals at counters, cheque-related services, documentation, account-related requests or other staff-dependent services may face delays.
What About UPI, Internet Banking and ATMs?
Digital banking services generally depend less on branch staffing. SBI's disclosure does not state that ATMs or digital banking platforms will be shut because of the strike.
Customers can therefore continue to use available digital channels such as UPI, mobile banking, internet banking and ATMs, subject to normal technical availability. However, transactions requiring physical branch intervention could be affected during the strike.
More Strikes Possible From October 26
The September 28-30 strike is part of a larger programme announced by UFBU. The unions have proposed a continuous nationwide strike beginning October 26, 2026, if their demands are not resolved. SBI has disclosed this proposed action along with the September strike notices.
For customers, the immediate concern is the three-day action from September 28 to 30. Any changes to the strike schedule or developments in negotiations could affect the eventual level of disruption.
What Customers Should Do
Customers with important branch-related work can consider completing it before September 28. Those who only need routine payments or fund transfers can use digital banking channels where available. Customers should also avoid waiting until the last minute for time-sensitive transactions, particularly those requiring physical documentation or staff assistance.
The extent of disruption will ultimately depend on employee participation and any developments between the unions, the Indian Banks' Association and the government before the scheduled strike.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2026 10:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
