Bank customers may face disruption to branch-based services from September 28 to 30 as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) plans a nationwide strike over the demand for a five-day working week. The government urged unions to defer the strike after a September 22 conciliation meeting, but the UFBU said the protest would proceed.
The impact is expected to be greatest on services requiring physical branch visits or employee assistance. State Bank of India and Canara Bank have advised customers to complete important branch-related transactions in advance and use alternative banking channels during the strike.
ATMs and other self-service facilities are expected to remain available, while customers can use internet banking, mobile banking and UPI for routine transactions where supported. SBI has also suggested Customer Service Points, while Canara Bank has listed business correspondents as alternatives.
The timing could create a longer disruption window because September 26 is the fourth Saturday and September 27 is Sunday, while September 30 marks the banks’ half-yearly closing. Customers and businesses with time-sensitive branch work may therefore want to complete it before September 28.
The dispute centres on five-day banking. UFBU says the arrangement was agreed to under the March 2024 wage settlement, while the government maintains that the matter remains under consideration. As of September 23, the three-day strike remained scheduled, with unions also warning of a proposed indefinite strike from October 26 if the issue remains unresolved.
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