Bank customers across India may face disruption in branch-based services from September 28 to September 30, 2026, after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) called a three-day nationwide strike. The proposed strike comes immediately after September 26 and 27, which fall on Saturday and Sunday. As a result, customers who need branch services could face limited access for five consecutive days from September 26 to 30. However, this does not necessarily mean every bank branch will remain shut throughout the entire five-day period. The extent of disruption will depend on employee participation. Key Highlights UFBU has called a nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30. SBI and Union Bank have advised customers to complete important branch work in advance. September 26 and 27 are the weekend immediately before the strike. ATMs, UPI, internet banking and mobile banking are expected to remain available. Branch-dependent services such as documentation and some cheque-related work may face delays. The unions are demanding a five-day banking week, pension-related changes and other service-related reforms. The UFBU has also announced an indefinite strike from October 26 if its demands remain unresolved. Why Are Bank Employees Going on Strike? The main demand behind the strike is the implementation of a five-day working week in the banking sector. The UFBU has argued that the five-day work week was agreed upon in principle during the March 2024 wage settlement but has not yet been implemented. Bank unions are also raising issues related to pension revision, the pension formula and employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS). The unions have also raised concerns about the revised Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) system and other pending service-related matters. The September 28-30 strike follows a one-day nationwide strike held on September 11. The unions have announced further protest action if their demands are not resolved. What Has SBI Told Customers? State Bank of India (SBI) has asked customers to complete important transactions requiring branch visits before the strike dates. The bank said it is making efforts to ensure essential banking services remain available during the strike. However, branch operations could be affected depending on employee participation at individual locations. SBI has advised customers to use alternative channels, including ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs), Customer Service Points, internet banking, YONO, mobile banking and UPI. Customers who need physical documentation, staff assistance or other branch-dependent services should therefore plan those tasks in advance. What Has Union Bank of India Advised? Union Bank of India has also warned customers that branch operations may be affected during the three-day strike. The bank has advised customers to complete important branch-related work before September 28 and use alternative banking channels for routine transactions. These include mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs and ADWMs, Business Correspondent points, UPI and other digital banking services. Which Banking Services Will Remain Available? Several routine banking services are expected to continue through digital and automated channels during the strike. Customers can use: UPI payments and transfers Internet banking Mobile banking SBI YONO and similar bank apps ATMs Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines Customer Service Points Business Correspondent points However, availability can depend on the bank and specific service. Customers should not assume that every branch-related facility can be completed digitally. Which Services Could Be Affected? Services requiring physical presence or assistance from branch employees could face delays during the strike. These may include certain cash deposits and withdrawals at branches, documentation, account-related requests, cheque-related processes and other staff-assisted services. The impact is expected to vary according to employee participation and individual bank branches. Will UPI and ATMs Work During the Bank Strike? Yes, UPI, internet banking, mobile banking and ATM services are expected to remain available for routine transactions, subject to normal technical availability and any scheduled maintenance. Customers who require cash should consider withdrawing it before the strike if they anticipate needing a large amount or want to avoid depending on ATM availability during the period. Will Banks Be Closed for Five Days? There is an important distinction between the strike dates and the weekend. The UFBU strike is scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30. September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, customers may experience five consecutive days with limited access to normal branch services from September 26 through September 30. However, describing this as a blanket five-day closure for all banks would be inaccurate. The strike affects branch operations based on employee participation, while digital and automated services are expected to continue. What Should Customers Do Before September 28? Customers who need branch assistance should complete their pending work before the strike period. This is particularly important for transactions involving physical documents, cheque-related services, account requests or other work that cannot be completed through digital banking. For regular payments and transfers during the strike, customers can use UPI, internet banking, mobile banking and other digital options. Bank Strike 2026 Timeline September 11: Bank unions held a nationwide one-day strike over unresolved demands. September 26: Saturday, immediately before the proposed three-day strike. September 27: Sunday. September 28: First day of the proposed nationwide bank strike. September 29: Second day of the strike. September 30: Third and final scheduled day. October 26: UFBU has announced an indefinite nationwide strike if the issues remain unresolved.
