Bank Strike 2026: Banking Services May Be Affected from September 28 to 30

Bank customers across India may face disruptions in branch-based banking services from September 28 to September 30, 2026, as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has proposed a three-day nationwide strike. The proposed action follows the strike programme announced by the UFBU, which includes September 28, 29 and 30 as strike days. State Bank of India (SBI) has also issued a customer advisory regarding the proposed strike and has asked customers to complete important banking transactions in advance.

Bank Strike 2026: September 28 to 30

The UFBU has proposed an all-India three-day bank strike from Monday, September 28, to Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The strike notice has been issued on behalf of seven constituent bank employee and officer organisations, including AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF and INBOC. SBI’s regulatory disclosure confirms the proposed September 28–30 strike dates and states that the bank has made arrangements for normal functioning but that work may still be impacted.

SBI Issues Customer Advisory Ahead of Bank Strike

The customer advisory shared by SBI specifically asks customers to prepare for possible disruption during the strike period. According to the advisory, the bank is making efforts to provide essential banking services, but customers are requested to complete important banking transactions before the proposed strike dates. SBI has also suggested alternative channels for cash requirements and routine banking services.

• Complete important banking transactions in advance of the strike dates.
• Use ATMs/ADWMs for cash requirements.
• Use Customer Service Points (CSPs).
• Prefer Internet Banking, YONO, Mobile Banking, UPI and other digital channels.

Why Are Bank Unions Planning the Strike?

The proposed bank strike is part of the UFBU’s ongoing industrial action over several banking-sector issues, including:

• Five-Day Banking Week: Unions have been seeking the implementation of a five-day working week in the banking sector.
• Performance Linked Incentive (PLI): Concerns have been raised regarding the revised PLI framework.
• Pending Banking-Sector Issues: The unions are also continuing discussions on other issues related to employees and the banking sector.
• Earlier Agreement: The five-day banking week issue was included in the 12th Bipartite Settlement and 9th Joint Note reached in March 2024, but its implementation has remained pending.

UFBU Bank Strike Dates in 2026

The September 28–30 action is part of a larger strike programme announced by the UFBU. SBI’s disclosure lists a one-day strike on September 11, the three-day strike from September 28 to September 30, and a proposed continuous strike beginning October 26, 2026.

What Should Bank Customers Do Before September 28?

Customers who have important banking work should plan it before the three-day strike window.

• Complete urgent branch transactions early: Do not wait until September 28 if a transaction requires branch assistance.
• Withdraw or arrange cash if required: Use ATMs/ADWMs as advised by SBI.
• Use digital banking: Internet Banking, YONO, mobile banking and UPI can be used for eligible transactions.
• Keep banking documents ready: If you need to submit documents at a branch, complete the process beforehand where possible.
• Check your bank’s advisory: Banks may issue additional instructions based on local operational arrangements.
• Plan cheque-related work early: Cheque processing or related branch services may experience delays.
• Use Customer Service Points: SBI has specifically advised customers to use CSPs for available banking services.