Digital Desk Lucknow: If there is any important work related to the bank and you are preparing to go to the branch to settle it, then definitely read this news first. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a nationwide bank strike on Friday, September 11, 2026. In such a situation, normal functioning in bank branches may be affected.
There will be a weekly holiday on the next two days of the strike i.e. Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13. Due to this, customers may have to wait a long time for branch level work related to banking services. At the same time, in some states, banks may remain closed on Monday and Tuesday due to Ganesh Chaturthi.
Why are bank employees striking?
Bank unions have decided on a nationwide strike regarding reforms related to the banking sector and the demands of employees. Major demands of UFBU include implementation of five-day a week banking system. That is, bank employees want Saturday and Sunday to be declared regular holidays.
Apart from this, the unions have raised the demand to review the Performance-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and remove the discrepancies present in it. There has also been a demand for immediate implementation of already decided pension reforms and health insurance provisions related to employees.
The unions have also made their future strategy clear. If the demands are not met, a warning has been given of a three-day nationwide strike from 28 to 30 September 2026. After this, it has also been said that the indefinite strike will start from 26 October 2026.
If banks are closed, how will important work be done?
Despite continuous bank holidays, many digital banking facilities will be available to customers. However, the work done in the branch may get affected, hence it would be better to do the important transactions first.
SBI and PNB have advised customers to complete necessary banking operations in advance. During the strike, customers can use digital banking channels, ATMs and other services available.
Use these services to send money
If there is a need to send or withdraw money from an account, digital services like IMPS, NEFT, RTGS and UPI can be used. Payment can also be made through UPI platforms like GPay, PhonePe and Paytm.
Things like payment of electricity, water and gas bills along with mobile recharge can be done through net banking or mobile banking app.
What to do if you need cash?
If needed, customers can use ATMs of private banks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank. However, the availability of cash in ATMs of some public sector banks may be affected during the strike.
Apart from this, cash withdrawal can also be done through Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) available at the nearest grocery shop or Common Service Center (CSC).
Bank statement and FD work also online
Many tasks like extracting bank statement, work related to fixed deposit or applying for loan can be done online through the respective bank's mobile app or internet banking. SBI YONO, PNB One and other banking apps provide many services to the customers without visiting the branch.
Why is it important for common people?
Due to the strike that started on September 11 and the subsequent Saturday-Sunday holiday, customers requiring branch visits may face problems. Therefore, if there is a need for check deposit, cash withdrawal, bank officer related work or other branch-based services, it is better to settle it first. Currently online banking options can be used for digital transaction purposes.
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