Banks to Operate on Sunday as UFBU Plans Three-Day Nationwide Strike
Banks will operate on September 27 ahead of the proposed three-day UFBU strike, while customers are advised to use digital banking services during the strike period.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, September 23: All banks, including Regional Rural Banks, will remain open on Sunday, September 27, to ensure uninterrupted banking services ahead of a proposed three-day strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, the Finance Ministry said on Wednesday.
The UFBU, which asserts that it represents 90% of banking workers, is scheduled to go on strike for three days starting on September 28. Among other things, the unions want a five-day banking week.
The strike, if it materialises, would coincide with the half-yearly closing of the banking sector.
The government has taken pre-emptive measures to guarantee the financial service requirements of residents in light of the proposed three-day countrywide bank strike scheduled by the UFBU from September 28 to 30, following the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27, according to the statement.
“In order to ensure that the genuine banking needs of the public are not adversely affected for an extended period, all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, the 27th of September, 2026,” it stated.
According to the Reserve Bank of India, all bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests are allowed to continue operating normally on September 27.
The Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance reiterated that the welfare and convenience of bank customers remain the government’s foremost priority.
It stated that, in addition to appealing to unions to postpone the planned strike, the government and bank management had taken steps to ensure that uninterrupted banking services continue.
Demands of the Banks
A uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners, an update and enhancement of pensions, and the option for employees covered by the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the old pension scheme (OPS) are among the other demands made by the UFBU.
Bank Advice for Service Holders
In a situation where the strike occurs, many public sector banks have begun advising their customers to use digital channels for their financial requirements, including mobile banking, ATMs, internet banking, BC Points and UPI.
In order to avoid any inconvenience, banks have also recommended that their customers complete necessary financial activities well in advance of the planned strike days.
The proposed three-day strike period also falls on September 30, which is the half-yearly bank closing date. This date is especially important for treasury and market operations, reconciliation and provisioning.
(Inputs From PTI)
