New Delhi | September 11, 2026
Bank branches across India may see disruptions on September 11 after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) called a nationwide strike over demands including a five-day banking week and a review of the performance-linked incentive scheme.
The strike is expected to affect services that require customers to visit a branch, including cash deposits, cash withdrawals and other offline transactions. Digital banking channels, ATMs and other automated services are expected to remain available, although customers may experience delays depending on their bank and location.
UFBU comprises seven bank unions, including the All India Bank Employees’ Association, All India Bank Officers’ Confederation, National Confederation of Bank Employees, Bank Employees Federation of India and other affiliated organisations. The unions represent more than 90% of the banking workforce, according to the report.
The timing of the strike could extend disruption for customers in some states. September 12 is a Saturday and September 13 a Sunday. Banks may also remain closed on September 14 and 15 in states observing holidays connected with Ganesh Chaturthi, although the holiday schedule varies by state.
State Bank of India advised customers to complete urgent transactions through digital or internet banking channels. It said arrangements had been made for branch and office operations, while cautioning that normal banking work could be affected by the proposed strike. SBI recommended using ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines, Customer Service Points, YONO, mobile banking, internet banking and UPI where available.
Punjab National Bank issued a similar advisory, asking customers to use UPI payments, mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs and automated deposit and withdrawal machines for essential transactions. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank had not issued separate updates in the report. Customers with branch-dependent requirements should check their bank’s official website, mobile application or customer communication channels before visiting a branch.
