Bank Closed for 3 Days? Nationwide Bank Strike May Disrupt Services This Month
Bank Closed for 3 Days? Nationwide Bank Strike May Disrupt Services This Month
UFBU calls for January 27 strike over five-day workweek demand; public sector banks likely to be hit
Banking services across the country may face major disruption later this month as bank employees’ unions have threatened to go on a nationwide strike on January 27, raising the possibility of banks remaining shut for three consecutive days.
The strike call has been given by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body representing nine major bank unions across public sector banks and some old private sector banks. The unions are demanding the implementation of a five-day workweek for banks.
If the strike goes ahead as planned, it could significantly affect banking operations because January 25 and January 26 are already bank holidays, which means customers may not be able to access regular banking services for three days in a row — January 25, 26 and 27.
At present, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, apart from Sundays. During the wage revision settlement signed in March 2024, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and UFBU had agreed in principle to declare the remaining Saturdays as holidays as well. However, the unions allege that the implementation of this agreement has been delayed.
In a statement, UFBU said it was “unfortunate” that the government has not responded to what it described as a genuine demand. The unions clarified that there would be no loss of man-hours, as employees have already agreed to work 40 additional minutes per day from Monday to Friday to compensate for the reduction in working days.
UFBU also pointed out that several key financial institutions already operate on a five-day workweek. These include the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), General Insurance Corporation (GIC), as well as foreign exchange markets, money markets and stock exchanges. In addition, most central and state government offices do not function on Saturdays.
“Given that major financial systems are already working five days a week, there is no justification for banks continuing with a six-day schedule,” the unions said.
The proposed strike is expected to primarily impact public sector banks, where union participation is stronger. Services such as branch banking, cheque clearing, cash deposits and withdrawals, and customer services may be affected if the strike materialises. Online banking and ATM services, however, may continue to function, subject to technical availability.
UFBU has confirmed that the call for an all-India strike on January 27, 2026, stands unless the government and the banking authorities address the demand.
Customers have been advised to plan essential banking transactions in advance to avoid inconvenience during the potential shutdown period.
