India bank strike set for September 28-30; SBI and PNB issue customer advisories

The impact is expected to be felt primarily at public sector banks, old generation private sector banks and regional rural banks, though digital banking and other online services are likely to remain available

Prepare for some interruptions in banking services next week as banks will be closing for several days. A nationwide strike is set from September 28 to 30, followed by a holiday on October 2. While you can still access digital banking, in-person services will be limited. Make sure to visit your local branch after the closure, and remember to verify the holiday hours before going out.

The Sunday opening gives customers an additional opportunity to complete essential banking transactions before the proposed three-day nationwide strike.

Imagine reaching the bank on September 29 because you suddenly need a cheque cleared, a document updated or some cash for an important payment, only to find the branch closed. And this time, it isn't just a regular bank holiday. A three-day nationwide bank strike has been called from September 28 to 30, right at the end of the month.The timing makes it a little more inconvenient for households. September 30 is also the half-yearly financial closing date, while the strike comes after the September 26-27 weekend. The government has therefore allowed public-sector and regional rural banks to open on Sunday, September 27, so customers can finish important work before the strike.So, if there's a banking task you've been postponing, this is probably a good time to check it.

Bank Strike September 28-30: Services that require a physical branch or manual processing are likely to be affected during the strike.

Bank Strike September 28-30: Services that require a physical branch or manual processing are likely to be affected during the strike.

Mumbai, Sep 25: In a relief for people amid the proposed three-day countrywide strike by bank staff from September 28 to 30, the State Bank of India (SBI) on Friday said it has made all ATM transactions free of charge for the strike period.The SBI said it has taken the step to ensure customer convenience, preventing any disruption to transactions during the strike period.In a post on the social media platform X, the SBI stated that its services would remain available for customers' banking needs even during the proposed strike.The post highlighted SBI's commitment to facilitating banking services. Consequently, ATM charges will be waived from September 28 to 30, 2026, and customers will not be charged for transactions made at any bank's ATM.SBI announces customer measuresThe bank further announced that to facilitate customer convenience amid the strike, all branches will remain open on Sunday as well. Additionally, online payment facilities such as UPI, IMPS, RTGS, and NEFT will continue to operate as usual during the strike period.Bangladesh Inflation Driven By Structural Weaknesses, Policy Challenges, Says ReportIn order to minimise disruption to the genuine banking needs of the public, the Government has directed public sector banks to stay open on Sunday.The Reserve Bank of India has granted approval for all bank branches, offices, ATM-link branches, and Currency Chests to remain fully operational on Sunday (September 27).Government steps to avoid disruptionAll public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, the Finance Ministry said.Also Watch:"In view of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, coinciding with the preceding weekend holidays of September 26 and 27, the government has taken proactive steps to safeguard the banking needs of citizens," a Finance Ministry statement said.This has helped to reduce the disruption in economic activity due to the timing of the strike, which otherwise would have stretched across five days since Saturday and Sunday were both bank holidays.The Finance Ministry said that the welfare and convenience of bank customers remain the government's foremost priority. The government and bank managements have appealed to unions to defer the proposed strike and have also taken measures to ensure that essential banking services continue uninterrupted, the statement added.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Mumbai: Bank customers have been advised to complete important transactions in advance as employees prepare for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30.State Bank of India (SBI), Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Union Bank of India have issued advisories to customers ahead of the proposed disruption.Complete Important Transactions EarlyThe strike comes immediately after September 26, the fourth Saturday of the month, and September 27, a Sunday. This had raised concerns about disruption stretching across five consecutive days.SBI has advised customers to complete urgent transactions before the strike begins. It said ATMs, customer service points, YONO, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and other digital channels are expected to remain operational.Indian Bank has similarly advised customers to use mobile banking, ATMs and other digital channels as branch-level services could be affected.Why Are Bank Employees Striking?The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called the nationwide strike. Among its key demands is implementation of a five-day working week and withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Madhya Pradesh Bank Strike Hits Business Worth ₹15 Lakh Crore As 40,000 Bankers Stay Off WorkCurrently, banks remain closed on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays. Employees have been seeking a five-day working week similar to institutions such as the RBI and LIC.The unions are also opposing the revised PLI framework, citing disparities in incentives between senior officials and lower-level employees.Relief For CustomersTo prevent disruption extending to five straight days, public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks have been permitted to conduct normal banking operations on Sunday, September 27. September 28-30 Bank Strike: What Finance Ministry Has Told Employees And Why It Matters?Branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests are expected to remain operational, giving customers an additional day to complete essential work before the strike.Unions Warn Of Further ActionBank unions had earlier observed a one-day strike on September 11.They have now warned that if their demands remain unresolved, an indefinite nationwide strike could begin from October 26.

Mumbai: Around eight lakh bank employees across the country, under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), have announced a three-day nationwide strike on September 28, 29 and 30 over demands including five-day banking and pension-related issues.With September 26 being the fourth Saturday and September 27 a Sunday, concerns had emerged that customers could face five consecutive days of disruption.To reduce inconvenience, public sector banks have been asked to remain open on September 27 so customers can complete essential banking work.How Big Is Daily Banking Business?Banks are central to India's financial system, processing cheque clearances, RTGS and NEFT transactions, government treasury operations, business loans, cash transactions and foreign-exchange deals.Digital payments alone underline the enormous scale of activity. UPI transactions account for roughly Rs 88,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore of transaction value every day.When RTGS transfers, cheque clearing, corporate payments, cash deposits, government transactions, import-export payments and foreign-exchange deals are included, banks process financial transactions worth several lakh crore rupees on an average working day.Branch counters also handle cash deposits and withdrawals, credit-related documentation and services for small businesses.What Could A Three-Day Strike Disrupt?While internet banking, mobile applications, ATMs and other digital services are expected to remain operational, closure of physical branches could disrupt several business activities. September 28-30 Bank Strike: What Finance Ministry Has Told Employees And Why It Matters?Cheque clearing could be among the areas facing delays. An estimated Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore worth of cheques could potentially get held up during the three-day strike, affecting working-capital cycles, particularly for smaller businesses.Which Services Could Be Hit?Cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearing, government treasury operations, foreign-exchange transactions and money-market activities could face the greatest disruption as many of these services require branch-level staff. Banking Services Hit Nationwide As Unions Strike For 5-Day Workweek | VIDEOPrivate-sector lenders such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank are not part of the proposed strike, and their operations are expected to continue normally.Customers can also rely on ATMs, UPI, net banking and mobile banking for many routine transactions during the strike.

The customer advisory was issued in view of the proposed nationwide bank strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28-30

All public sector and Regional Rural Banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The move aims to prevent disruption after the weekend holidays.

New Delhi: Public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, as the government seeks to prevent prolonged disruption to banking services ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike.The strike, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), is scheduled from September 28 to September 30. It follows the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27, potentially leaving customers without regular branch services for five consecutive days.RBI Approves Sunday Banking OperationsThe Reserve Bank of India has approved the opening of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27, according to the Ministry of Finance.Five-Day Workweek Demand Hits Banking Operations, Nationwide Union Strike Disrupts Services All eligible banking facilities will operate normally on Sunday, giving customers an additional working day to complete essential transactions before the proposed bank strike begins.The Finance Ministry said customer welfare and convenience remain the government’s priority. The arrangement is intended to reduce inconvenience for depositors, businesses and other customers requiring branch-based services.Government Appeals to UnionsThe government and bank managements have urged employee unions to defer the strike and resolve their outstanding demands through discussions.The latest industrial action follows a one-day bank strike held on September 11. Bank unions are principally demanding the introduction of a five-day banking week and the withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive scheme.September 28-30 Bank Strike: What Finance Ministry Has Told Employees And Why It Matters? The government said the PLI scheme has already been placed in abeyance following discussions with employee representatives. However, the demand for a five-day workweek remains under examination.Half-Yearly Closing Raises ConcernsThe proposed strike includes September 30, when banks undertake their half-yearly closing activities. A prolonged shutdown could affect reconciliation, provisioning, treasury functions and financial-market operations.Banks are therefore expected to make arrangements to keep essential services available during the proposed strike period. Customers should complete time-sensitive branch transactions on September 27 and monitor official bank communications regarding service availability.Digital banking, mobile applications, UPI and ATMs may remain accessible, although cash availability and certain branch-dependent services could face pressure if the strike proceeds.

Bank unions are gearing up for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, potentially halting banking services and creating a five-day interruption for customers due to the preceding weekend holiday. Key banking activities, including half-yearly closings, will coincide with this period, heightening concerns about accessibility. Customers are encouraged to leverage digital services and finish any in-branch transactions before the strike.

Bank strike Sept Which services may be affected what customers should do

Mumbai: The bank strike scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30, 2026, remains on course despite the Finance Ministry urging employees to withdraw the action and resolve concerns through dialogue.As of September 22, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and its associated unions had not called off the strike. The unions are demanding a five-day working week across the banking industry.Strike Still ScheduledThe UFBU and the All India Bank Employees’ Association organised a badge-wearing campaign on Tuesday to press their demand. Unless an agreement is reached, branch services could face disruption for three consecutive working days.The impact may stretch further because September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday. Customers could, therefore, encounter five days of limited branch access, although digital banking channels should remain available.Ministry Urges DialogueIn its September 21 statement, the Finance Ministry asked bank employees to refrain from striking, engage in discussions and ensure uninterrupted banking services. Five-Day Workweek Demand Hits Banking Operations, Nationwide Union Strike Disrupts ServicesThe ministry said most union concerns had been addressed, while the remaining demand was still under examination. It added that the government continued to introduce welfare measures for the banking workforce.State Bank of India circulated the ministry’s advice among employees. Canara Bank warned customers that branch operations might be affected during the proposed strike and advised them to plan transactions and use alternative banking channels.Security Measures SoughtThe Department of Financial Services reviewed preparations with its Crisis Management Group on September 18 and with public sector banks, regional rural banks and the Indian Banks’ Association on September 21.It asked the Home Ministry to advise states and Union Territories to secure currency chests, clearing centres, data facilities, treasury operations, cybersecurity units and ATMs. Authorities were also asked to maintain order around branches and protect employees reporting for duty.Customers should confirm branch availability with their banks, complete urgent transactions early and rely on mobile banking, internet banking and ATMs wherever possible.

PNB has advised customers to complete branch-related banking work before September 25, ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike from September 28-30, over demands including a five-day working...

PNB has advised customers to complete branch-related banking work before September 25, ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike from September 28-30, over demands including a five-day working week and pension reforms.

Bank unions have called for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, potentially affecting banking operations. Here is a list of SBI services that will remain available during the strike

SBI and Union Bank have asked customers to plan important banking transactions ahead of the Sept. 28-30 strike, while ATMs, mobile banking, internet banking and UPI services remain available.

The proposed strike comes immediately after the weekend. September 26 is the second Saturday of the month and is a bank holiday, while September 27, 2026, falls on a Sunday.

Bank Strike September 28-30: SBI said it is taking steps to ensure essential banking services remain available during the strike.

Bank Strike September 28-30: SBI said it is taking steps to ensure essential banking services remain available during the strike.

The advisory comes after the UFBU's nationwide strike on September 11 and ahead of another planned phase of protest action later this month.

Mumbai: State Bank of India (SBI) has advised customers to complete important banking work early as bank unions prepare for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026.The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) as part of its ongoing protest programme.SBI Issues AdvisorySBI has asked customers to plan branch-related transactions before the proposed strike to avoid inconvenience.Services requiring customers to visit branches, submit physical documents, complete verification or seek staff assistance could be affected depending on employee participation.The bank said it is making arrangements to keep essential services running. However, normal branch operations may face limitations at some locations.Five Days Of Limited Branch Access?The timing of the strike could create a longer disruption for customers who depend on physical branches.September 26 and 27 fall on a weekend, followed by the proposed strike from September 28 to 30.This could effectively mean five consecutive days of limited access to normal weekday branch services for some customers. Banking Services Hit Nationwide As Unions Strike For 5-Day Workweek | VIDEOThe latest strike plan follows UFBU's nationwide action on September 11. The union forum has also announced a continuous strike beginning October 26 as part of its agitation.Digital Banking To Remain AvailableSBI has encouraged customers to use alternative banking channels during the strike.Customers requiring cash can use ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs). Customer Service Points can also be used for select services.Digital channels such as SBI internet banking, mobile banking, YONO and UPI are expected to remain available for routine transactions, including fund transfers and payments.Some Services Could Face DelaysCustomers should note that every banking service cannot be completed digitally. Five-Day Workweek Demand Hits Banking Operations, Nationwide Union Strike Disrupts ServicesTransactions involving physical documents, certain cheque-related processes and other branch-dependent work could face delays if employee participation affects branch operations.Customers with urgent branch-related work may therefore want to complete it before the proposed strike begins.