Branch-based banking services may be disrupted across India on September 11 as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) holds a nationwide strike over demands including a five-day banking week and a review of the performance-linked incentive scheme.
The disruption is expected to affect customers who need to visit a bank branch for services such as cash deposits, cash withdrawals and other offline transactions. Digital banking, ATMs and other online channels are expected to remain available, although service availability may vary by bank and location.
The strike has been called by the UFBU, which includes seven bank employee organisations: the All India Bank Employees’ Association, All India Bank Officers’ Confederation, National Confederation of Bank Employees, All India Bank Officers’ Association, Bank Employees Federation of India, Indian National Bank Officers’ Congress and Indian National Bank Employees’ Federation. The unions together represent more than 90% of the banking workforce, according to the report.
The unions are seeking implementation of a five-day banking week, with regular working days from Monday to Friday and full-day holidays on Saturdays and Sundays. They are also seeking a review of the performance-linked incentive scheme. The unions have said that the five-day arrangement had been promised but has not yet been implemented.
The effect on customers could extend beyond the strike day because September 12 is a Saturday and September 13 is a Sunday. In some states, bank holidays may also fall on September 14 and 15 for Ganesh Chaturthi. Holiday schedules can differ by state, so customers may face different reopening dates depending on their location and bank.
State Bank of India has advised customers to complete essential transactions through digital or internet banking services. The bank said arrangements had been made for branch and office operations but warned that the proposed strike could affect normal banking work. It suggested using ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines, Customer Service Points, internet banking, YONO, mobile banking and UPI where available.
Punjab National Bank has also advised customers to use digital banking services for essential transactions. Its listed options include UPI payments, mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines.
Customers of HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and other lenders should check their bank’s website, mobile application or official communication channels before visiting a branch. The reported advisories indicate that digital payments and online banking may continue, but branch-dependent services such as cash deposits, cash withdrawals and other offline work could be delayed until services resume. The timing of reopening will depend on the strike, the weekend and state-specific holiday schedules.
