Public sector bank employees are set to stage a nationwide three-day strike from September 28 to 30, potentially disrupting branch-based banking services across the country. The action, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), comes just before the September 30 half-yearly closing of banks, making the timing particularly significant for customers, businesses and financial institutions. Combined with the preceding weekend, the strike could create a five-day window of limited physical branch operations, although digital banking services are expected to continue.

Five-Day Disruption Window Takes Shape

The proposed strike will run from Monday, September 28, to Wednesday, September 30. Since September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday, customers could face a prolonged interruption in branch-based services.

However, the five-day period does not necessarily mean every branch will remain completely closed throughout. The extent of disruption will depend on employee participation and local operational arrangements.

Five-Day Week Remains Central Demand

The UFBU, an umbrella organisation representing around 90% of bank officers and employees, has been pressing for a five-day banking week, along with several service and pension-related demands.

Key demands include:

·       Immediate implementation of a five-day workweek.

·       Changes concerning performance-linked incentives.

·       A uniform Dearness Allowance formula for pensioners.

·       Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for employees covered under NPS.

·       Resolution of pending wage and service-related issues.

The unions had already observed a nationwide strike on September 11 and have announced further industrial action if the issues remain unresolved.

Government Seeks Dialogue as Strike Nears

The Finance Ministry has urged bank employees to withdraw the September 28–30 strike, arguing that several concerns have already been addressed through negotiations and welfare measures. The government has also highlighted the potential impact on the half-yearly financial closing.

Meanwhile, contingency preparations are underway. The Finance Ministry has asked public sector banks and regional rural banks to minimise disruption and ensure adequate availability of cash through ATMs.

Customers Advised to Complete Urgent Work Early

State Bank of India and other major lenders have advised customers to complete branch-dependent transactions before the strike. PNB has similarly asked customers to finish important requirements by September 25.

Digital alternatives such as UPI, internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs, ADWMs and Business Correspondent points are expected to remain available, although services requiring physical documents or branch staff could face delays.

October Could Bring a Bigger Banking Disruption

The September action is part of a wider confrontation between unions and the authorities over working conditions and pending demands. UFBU has also announced an indefinite strike from October 26 if the issues remain unresolved.

Dialogue Now Holds the Key

The immediate challenge is to protect routine banking operations while allowing negotiations over employees’ demands to continue. With the September strike coinciding with a crucial financial closing period, an early resolution would reduce uncertainty for customers, banks and the wider financial system.

 (With agency inputs)