Indian Banks Open Sunday Ahead of Three-Day Nationwide Strike

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), representing approximately 90 percent of the banking workforce, called for a nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, 2026. The unions are primarily demanding the implementation of a five-day banking week, pension reforms, and the withdrawal of a performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. The strike coincides with the banking sector's critical half-yearly closing on September 30.

To mitigate disruptions, the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India ordered all public sector and regional rural banks to remain open on Sunday, September 27. This unprecedented move allowed customers to complete urgent branch-based transactions before the strike. Additionally, the government advanced the disbursement of September salaries and pensions for central government employees to September 25.

Public sector banks, including State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda, waived ATM transaction charges exceeding monthly limits from September 28 to 30 to ensure cash access. While digital services like UPI and mobile banking remained operational, the strike affected over-the-counter transactions and locker access. New-generation private banks and the cooperative banking sector remained operational throughout the period.

Government officials claimed the PLI scheme was placed in abeyance and urged unions to resolve issues through dialogue. However, union leaders argued that the government failed to implement commitments made over two years ago. The UFBU has threatened an indefinite strike starting October 26 if its demands remain unaddressed.