Bank Unions Announce Nationwide Strikes on September 11, 28-30 Over Pending Demands

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced nationwide strike action in September over unresolved demands, including the implementation of a five-day banking week and objections to the government's revised Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The first one-day strike is scheduled for September 11, followed by a three-day strike from September 28 to 30. The unions have also warned of an indefinite strike from October 26 if the issues remain unresolved.

Four Days of Strike Action in September

According to the UFBU's August 23 circular, bank employees and officers will observe the first nationwide strike on September 11. A second three-day strike has been announced for September 28, 29 and 30. Bank Strike on September 11: UFBU Calls Nationwide Protest Over 5-Day Banking and Pending Demands.

The unions have also planned demonstrations, awareness campaigns and other mobilisation activities ahead of the strikes. The extent of disruption to banking services will depend on employee participation and any settlement reached before the scheduled dates.

Five-Day Banking Week Remains Key Demand

One of the main demands is the implementation of a five-day working week for banks. The unions say the proposal was agreed between the Indian Banks' Association and employee organisations under the 12th Bipartite Settlement and 9th Joint Note signed in March 2024. Under the proposal, working hours on weekdays would increase by 40 minutes to compensate for the additional weekly holiday. The UFBU has alleged that the proposal has remained pending with the government for more than two years. Bank Holiday Schedule: Check Out RBI Holiday Status From August 31 to September 6.

Dispute Over Performance Linked Incentive Scheme

The second major issue concerns the revised PLI framework for bank officers. The unions have objected to a Department of Financial Services directive covering officers in Scale IV and above. According to the UFBU, the proposed system would link incentives to individual performance, while employees and officers up to Scale III would have a substantially lower maximum incentive.

The unions have described the structure as discriminatory and are demanding that its implementation be kept in abeyance and that any changes be discussed through bilateral negotiations.

The dispute is already part of conciliation proceedings before the Chief Labour Commissioner and is also pending before the Delhi High Court, according to the union's account. The government and the Indian Banks' Association have not provided a response in the cited union circular to all of the allegations.

Other Pending Demands

The unions' demands extend beyond the five-day week and PLI.

They are also seeking action on several pension-related issues, including improvements to pensions and a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners. Another demand concerns providing employees covered by the National Pension System an option to shift to the Old Pension Scheme.

The UFBU has also objected to beginning discussions on a new charter of demands while several earlier issues remain unresolved.

Indefinite Strike Threat From October 26

The unions have warned that the September strikes could be followed by further industrial action if negotiations fail. After the September 28-30 strike, the UFBU has planned additional mobilisation in October and has announced an indefinite nationwide strike from October 26, 2026, if its demands are not addressed.

For bank customers, the immediate concern is the possibility of disruption on September 11 and again from September 28 to 30. Customers with time-sensitive branch-related work may need to plan transactions around the scheduled strike dates, while developments in negotiations could still alter the programme.