Bank Strike From September 28-30: What SBI, PNB, Bank Of India And Other Customers Should Know

Bank customers may face disruptions in branch-based services next week as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28-30, 2026.

The strike is expected to affect work at public sector banks with customers not getting access to services, such as cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque processing, and other branch-related work. The strike follows a failed conciliation meeting between bank unions, the Indian Bank’s association (IBA) and the government over the union’s demand for a five-day banking work week.

SBI Advises Customers To Complete Transactions Early

The State Bank of India (SBI) has advised customers to complete their essential branch-related transactions before the onset of the strike. The bank has also asked customers to use ATMs and automated deposit and withdrawal machines (ADWMs) for cash requirements. For routine banking needs, customers can use the YONO app, Netbanking, mobile banking and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Notice Issue From Banks

Several other public sector banks, such as Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India and Indian Bank have issued advisories asking customers to complete important branch-related work before the strike begins. Banks have also encouraged customers to use ATMs, business correspondent points, Netbanking, mobile banking and UPI wherever possible.

The UFBU strike is likely to affect work at public sector banks (PSBs). Private banks, such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, are not part of the UFBU and are expected to function normally. However, it is still advised that customers check with their respective banks before visiting their respective branches.

Bank Branches May Face Disruption

September 26 is a Saturday, and September 27 is a Sunday. To reduce inconvenience to the public, PSBs and regional rural banks (RRBs) have been directed to keep branches open on Sunday. However, the banking unions have asked the employees to not report for work on Sunday.

Why Are the Demands Significant?

The demand for a five-day banking week has been pending for more than two years now. Banking unions have cited the 12th Bipartite Settlement and the ninth Joint Note, which was signed in March 2024. The IBA had then agreed back then to introduce a five-day banking system. The proposal envisages that it compensates for the additional weekly holiday by extending the working hours through the five-day work week.

According to the unions, the proposal was subsequently recommended to the government but is yet to receive a final approval. The five-day work week has been a long-standing demand by the bankers.

The second major issue is relevant to the revised PLI framework, which was introduced by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) from the Union Ministry of Finance’s. Bank unions have criticised the structure for creating a significant disparity in the incentives between the senior officers and other employees.

The framework introduced by the ministry states that officers in Scale IV and above could receive PLI, which is linked to individual performance. These incentives can extend up to 36 days of basic pay. On the other hand, employees up to Scale III can receive incentives only up to 15 days of basic pay along with dearness allowance (DA).

UFBU has argued that the incentive system should be linked to the overall performance of the bank, with a more uniform structure for employees. The PLI dispute is already under review before the Chief Labour Commissioner and is also being contested before the Delhi High Court.

For customers, the safest approach is to complete their work ahead of September 28 and rely on digital banking, ATMs and UPI for routine requirements during the strike period.