India Orders Banks Open Sunday Amid Nationwide Strike

The Ministry of Finance of India has ordered all public sector and regional rural banks to remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026, to prevent a prolonged service disruption. This contingency measure follows a three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) for September 28 to 30. The strike coincides with the banking sector's critical half-yearly closing on September 30, which the government warns could disrupt international banking and government transactions.

The UFBU, representing approximately 90 percent of the banking workforce, is demanding a five-day work week, improved pensions, and the withdrawal of the performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. While the government placed the PLI scheme in abeyance, conciliation meetings in New Delhi failed to resolve the five-day work week issue. Union leaders claim the demand was part of a March 2024 wage settlement, a claim the government denies.

To further reduce the impact, the government advanced the disbursement of September salaries and pensions for central government employees to September 25. The Reserve Bank of India approved the operation of all branches, offices, and currency chests for the additional Sunday working day. Major institutions like the State Bank of India have urged customers to use digital channels and waived ATM transaction charges nationwide for the duration of the strike. The UFBU has threatened an indefinite strike starting October 26 if its demands remain unaddressed.