Bank strike 2026: Banks advise customers to complete essential transactions in advance

Public sector banks and some oldgeneration private sector banks have issued advisories urging their customers to complete essential banking transactions in advance and use digital banking facilities to avoid inconvenienceduring the proposed threeday bank strike commencing from September 28Public sector lenders regional rural banks and some oldgeneration private sector banks are participating in the strikeNew generation private sector banks such as ICICI Bank HDFC Bank Axis Bank Yes Bank and IndusInd Bank are not participating in the strike and would continue their normal banking operationsBanks to remain open on SundayOur branches will remain open on Sunday 27092026 for your banking needs Use our digital channels during the strike period 28 to 30 September 2026 Indian Bank intimated its customers through a messageSimilarly Canara Bank informed its customers Dear customer bank unions announced 3 day strike from 28 to 30 September 2026 To avoid inconvenience branches shall function on 27 September SundayTo minimise the banking transaction disruption the government had asked all public sector banks and regional rural banks to remain open on Sunday September 27 The countrys largest lender State Bank of India said that while the bank will make every effort to provide essential banking services at branchesoffices certain services may be affected during the strike period which may cause inconvenience to its customers according to news agency PTICustomers are therefore requested to complete their essential banking transactions well in advance of the proposed strike dates to avoid any inconvenience Customers are also requested to make use of ATMsADWMs automated deposit cum withdrawal machines for their cash requirements and utilise YONO banking app InternetMobile Banking UPI and other digital channels for their banking needs wherever possible it saidSimilarly Bank of India informed it customers due to nationwide Bank strike on 28 29 and 30th September 2026 we request you to use the banks 24X7 digital channels such as Mobile Banking ATM Internet Banking BC Point UPI for your banking needsKarnataka Bank an oldgeneration private sector lender in an advisory said If the strike materializes the normal functioning of the bank branches offices departments may be affected and the bank is taking necessary steps to ensure normal functioning The bank also said that it will remain open for operations on September 27Why is there a bank strikeThe United Forum of Bank Unions UFBU which claims to represent 90 per cent of the banking workforce has announced a threeday strike beginning September 28 primarily demanding a fiveday banking weekThe Finance Ministry had appealed to bank employees to refrain from strikes and resolve their remaining demands through dialogue saying most union concerns have been substantially addressedEarlier bank unions under UFBU had gone on nationwide strike on September 11 over the implementation of fiveday working week and other demands that also include an updation and improvement of pension a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System NPS to switch to the old pension scheme OPSWith inputs from PTI