SBI Employees Announce 2-Day Nationwide Strike On May 25–26 Over 16 Key Demands
SBI Employees Announce 2-Day Nationwide Strike On May 25–26 Over 16 Key Demands
Staff federation cites pension issues, outsourcing concerns, and staffing shortages; protests planned across the country
Employees of State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector lender, have announced a two-day nationwide strike on May 25 and 26, 2026, raising concerns over working conditions, pension rights, and staffing policies. The strike has been called by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF), which represents workmen employees across the bank.
In its notice dated May 2 addressed to the SBI Chairman, the federation stated that the strike is being organised to press for 16 long-pending demands, alleging that several agreements and employee protections are not being implemented effectively.
At the core of the protest are concerns around the National Pension System (NPS). The federation has strongly objected to the denial of an option for employees to choose their pension fund manager, calling it a “grave injustice” that directly impacts the financial future of staff. It also highlighted disparities within the bank, pointing to a parity issue where officers reportedly receive higher effective pay increases compared to workmen employees, whose wage growth remains capped at 17%.
Another major concern raised by the union is the increasing outsourcing of permanent roles. The federation described this trend as a “dangerous shift,” warning that stable, long-term jobs are being replaced by contractual engagements that lack security and benefits. It further pointed out that recruitment in key subordinate roles such as messengers has been halted for nearly three decades, limiting opportunities for economically weaker sections and affecting workforce structure.
2-Day Nationwide Strike in State Bank of India
— National Confederation of Bank Employees (@ncbeofficial) May 2, 2026
The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation calls for a 2-day strike on 25th & 26th May 2026 across State Bank of India.
This decisive action is to defend employees’ rights, ensure fair working conditions, and protect the… pic.twitter.com/SloVML9wz6
The demand list also includes recruitment of armed guards, improved staffing levels across branches, and a review of the career progression scheme. Employees have sought inter-circle transfer options for those recruited after 2019, along with improvements in medical reimbursement policies and resolution of HRMS-related issues.
The federation also raised concerns over safety, referring to a recent robbery incident at an SBI branch in Surat. It stressed the urgent need to strengthen security infrastructure and fill vacancies for armed guards to ensure the safety of employees and customers.
Ahead of the strike, a series of protest programmes have been planned across the country. These include lunchtime demonstrations, social media campaigns, press meets, and silent sit-ins at various administrative offices. On May 18, employees will stage demonstrations and submit a memorandum to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, followed by another memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 21.
The strike reflects broader tensions within the banking sector, where employees are increasingly voicing concerns about job security, workload, and evolving workplace policies. While management has emphasised operational efficiency and modernisation, unions argue that employee welfare and fair treatment must remain central to these changes.
With the strike expected to see participation across branches nationwide, banking services could face disruptions during the two-day period, impacting customers and routine operations.
