SBI Strike on 25 & 26 May 2026 – AISBISF Notice, Branch Closure & What Customers Should Do

The country’s largest public sector bank, SBI, is staring at an extended period of severely disrupted branch services. While the notice is for a two-day nationwide strike, a confluence of factors, weekend closures, the strike itself, and a nationwide public holiday, means that customers could face a nearly week-long service disruption.

SBI Strike on 25 & 26 May 2026

The State Bank of India (SBI) has issued a customer advisory regarding a proposed two-day strike announced by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF). According to the notice, the strike is scheduled for 25 May and 26 May 2026, which may affect banking operations and branch services across various locations in the country. Customers are being advised to use digital banking platforms and alternate banking channels during this period to avoid inconvenience.

SBI Customer Advisory Regarding Strike

SBI officially informed customers about the proposed strike through a customer advisory notice. The bank requested customers to avoid unnecessary branch visits and use alternate banking channels during the strike period.

• AISBISF has announced a two-day strike
• Strike will take place on 25 and 26 May 2026
• Essential services may continue in some branches
• Customers should use ATMs and ADWMs for cash requirements
• Customers should prefer YONO, Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, and UPI
• Customer Service Points (CSPs) can also be used for basic banking needs

Why SBI Employees Are Going on Strike?

The AISBISF has raised several demands and concerns related to employee welfare, recruitment, security, outsourcing policies, and representation within the bank’s administration.

• Recruitment of adequate staff across branches
• Immediate hiring of messengers and armed guards
• Opposition to the outsourcing of permanent banking jobs
• Concerns regarding customer data security and fraud risks
• Freedom to choose Pension Fund Managers under NPS
• Appointment of Workmen Employee Director on SBI Board

SBI Strike 2026: Five-Day Disruption

Apart from the two-day strike itself, weekend holidays and Eid-ul-Adha holidays in many states may extend the impact on branch banking operations.

What Are SBI Customer Service Points (CSPs)?
SBI Customer Service Points (CSPs) are banking service outlets operated through business correspondents, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. These centres help customers perform basic banking transactions without visiting a full SBI branch.

Will SBI Branches Remain Completely Closed?

Not necessarily. SBI has clarified that efforts are being made to provide essential services in branches during the strike period. However, customers may still experience staff shortages, longer waiting time, and reduced counter operations in several branches.

• Some branches may function partially
• Essential services may continue in selected branches
• Counter staff availability may reduce
• Waiting time may increase significantly
• Rural and urban branches may experience different impact levels