Nagpur: Bank customers could face a five-day disruption in branch services at the end of September, with a three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) scheduled from September 28 to 30, 2026.
The proposed strike will come immediately after the fourth Saturday on September 26 and Sunday, September 27, potentially leaving many bank branches without regular counter services for five consecutive days from September 26 to 30.
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The UFBU has served notice for the three-day strike over various demands, including the implementation of a five-day banking week and issues related to the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Several banks have warned that branch and office operations could be affected if the strike goes ahead.
SBI asks customers to plan ahead
The State Bank of India (SBI) has advised customers to complete important banking transactions before the strike dates. The bank has said it is making efforts to provide essential services during the strike period but cautioned that branch operations could be affected.
Customers have been advised to use ATMs, customer service points, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and other digital channels for routine banking requirements.
Union Bank also warns of disruption
Union Bank of India has similarly advised customers to make use of alternative banking channels if the strike materialises. The bank has indicated that the functioning of its branches and administrative offices may be affected during the three-day strike.
Customers can continue to use mobile and internet banking, ATMs and ADWMs, Business Correspondent points, UPI and customer service centres for services available through those channels.
Will ATMs and UPI work during the strike?
Digital banking services are expected to remain important alternatives during the strike. Customers can use UPI, mobile banking and internet banking for transactions that do not require a branch visit. ATMs and ADWMs can also be used for cash withdrawals, subject to cash availability and normal technical functioning.
However, customers requiring services that specifically need a branch visit should not wait until the strike period.
Five-day branch-service disruption: What customers should know
The key dates are:
• September 26 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday bank holiday
• September 27 (Sunday): Weekly holiday
• September 28 (Monday): Proposed nationwide strike
• September 29 (Tuesday): Proposed nationwide strike
• September 30 (Wednesday): Proposed nationwide strike
Therefore, customers who need to deposit or withdraw cash at a branch, submit documents, obtain certificates or complete other branch-dependent work should plan their visits before September 26.
The proposed action does not necessarily mean that every banking service will completely stop for five days. The September 26-27 closures are regular holidays, while disruption from September 28-30 depends on the strike materialising and its impact on individual banks and branches. Bank advisories have specifically warned of possible disruption rather than guaranteeing a complete shutdown.
For customers, the safest approach is to complete urgent branch-dependent transactions in advance and keep digital banking and ATM facilities as alternatives during the period.
