A three-day nationwide bank strike is scheduled from September 28 to 30, prompting the government to take several measures to reduce disruption for customers and employees.
Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, while salaries, wages and pensions of Central government employees will be paid early on September 25.
Why Are Banks Going On Strike?
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the nationwide strike from September 28 to 30.
One of the key demands is the introduction of a five-day banking week, under which all Saturdays would become holidays for bank employees.
The unions have also raised issues related to pension benefits, the performance-linked incentive system and other pending employee demands.
The unions claim to represent around 90% of the banking workforce.
Banks To Open On Sunday
September 27 would normally be a Sunday holiday for banks. However, Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will operate normally on that day ahead of the proposed strike.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on Sunday.
The additional working day is intended to give customers an opportunity to complete important branch-based transactions before the strike begins.
Central Government Salaries To Come Early
The government has also decided to advance the payment of September salaries, wages and pensions for Central government employees.
The payments can be made on Friday, September 25, instead of following the usual schedule.
The arrangement covers Central government employees, including those working in Defence, Posts and Telecommunications.
September pensions for Central government pensioners can also be released on September 25.
The government has clarified that these will be treated as advance payments. Any necessary adjustment will be made from the October 2026 payment.
Five-Day Banking Week Is A Major Demand
At present, bank branches generally remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays, while other Saturdays can be working days.
Bank unions have been pushing for all Saturdays to become holidays, effectively creating a five-day working week.
The Indian Banks’ Association had earlier agreed to the proposal and sent it to the government for approval, but the issue has remained unresolved.
Will UPI And Online Banking Work?
The strike is expected to have its biggest impact on physical bank branches and services that require staff intervention.
UPI, internet banking, mobile banking and ATM services are expected to continue operating.
Customers have nevertheless been advised to complete important transactions before September 28, particularly cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque-related work and other branch-dependent services.
Banks have also been asked to maintain sufficient cash availability at ATMs during the strike period.
September 30 Adds Another Challenge
The strike coincides with the half-yearly closing of the banking sector on September 30.
This makes the timing particularly important for banks because activities such as reconciliation, provisioning, settlements and treasury operations are normally handled around the period.
The government has therefore advised departments and institutions to process payments and other banking transactions due towards the end of September in advance wherever possible.
Customers Should Plan Ahead
With the proposed strike following the weekend, customers could face an extended disruption in physical banking services.
Those requiring branch-based services have Sunday, September 27, as an additional opportunity to complete their work. For routine transactions during the strike, digital banking, UPI and ATMs are expected to remain the primary alternatives.
Summary
A three-day nationwide bank strike is scheduled from September 28 to 30. To reduce disruption, Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will open on Sunday, September 27. Central government employees will also receive September salaries, wages and pensions early on September 25. Customers have been advised to complete important branch-based transactions before the strike and use digital banking during the disruption.