Bank strike Sept 28-30 may mean five straight days of disrupted service

Bank customers could face disruption for five straight days at the end of the month. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, 2026.

The trouble is that September 26 is the fourth Saturday of the month, a bank holiday, and September 27 is a Sunday. That means counter services at banks could be hit for five continuous days, from September 26 to 30.

UFBU has issued the strike notice over its demand for a five-day banking week and issues related to the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Several banks have already warned that branch and office work could be affected if the strike goes ahead.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has asked customers to complete essential banking work before the strike dates. The bank said it would try to keep essential services running during the strike, but branch operations could be affected.

SBI has advised customers to use digital channels such as ATMs, customer service points, internet banking, mobile banking and UPI for routine banking needs.

Union Bank of India has also warned customers to use alternative banking channels if the strike goes ahead. The bank said its branches and administrative offices could see disrupted operations during the three-day strike.

Customers can continue to use services such as mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs and ADWMs, business correspondent points, UPI and customer service centres.

During the strike, customers may have to rely on digital banking services. For work that does not require a branch visit, customers can use UPI, mobile banking and internet banking. Cash can also be withdrawn from ATMs and ADWMs, provided cash is available and the machines are working properly.

However, for work that requires a branch visit, customers should not wait until the strike period.

September 26, a Saturday, is off as the fourth Saturday. September 27, a Sunday, is the weekly off. September 28, 29 and 30, Monday to Wednesday, are the proposed nationwide strike dates. Those who need to deposit or withdraw cash at a branch, or submit documents or collect certificates, should complete this work before September 26.

This does not mean banking will be completely shut for five days. The September 26 and 27 holidays are routine, while the impact on September 28 to 30 will depend on how widely the strike is observed and how it affects different banks and branches. The bank advisories have only flagged the possibility of disruption, not guaranteed a complete shutdown.

The safest approach for customers is to complete essential branch work in advance and use digital banking and ATMs as a backup during this period.