Bank customers across India have been advised to complete important banking transactions before a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30, 2026.The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called the strike over demands including implementation of a five-day banking week and pension-related issues. The proposed protest could affect branch operations at several public sector and old-generation private sector banks.Key HighlightsThe proposed bank strike is scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30.The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the nationwide strike.Customers have been advised to complete essential branch-related transactions in advance.Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will operate on Sunday, September 27.SBI has advised customers to use ATMs, UPI, internet banking and mobile banking during the strike.Digital banking services are expected to remain available even if some branch services are affected.Why Are Bank Employees Going on Strike?The UFBU has called the three-day strike over several employee-related demands. A major demand is the implementation of a five-day banking week.The unions have also raised pension-related issues and other employee welfare concerns. The UFBU claims to represent around 90% of the banking workforce.The Finance Ministry has appealed to bank employees to avoid the strike and resolve the remaining issues through dialogue. The government has said that several concerns raised by unions have already been addressed, while the five-day banking week demand continues to be examined.Which Dates Will Be Affected?The proposed strike is scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30.The timing could create additional inconvenience because September 26 and 27 fall on the weekend. The Finance Ministry has therefore arranged for public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks to remain operational on Sunday, September 27.The RBI has also approved all bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and Currency Chests to remain fully operational on September 27.This gives customers an additional opportunity to complete transactions that require a branch visit before the strike begins.What Should Bank Customers Do?Customers who need services that require branch staff are being advised to complete them before September 28.These may include important documentation, certain cheque-related services, account-related requests and other transactions that cannot easily be completed through digital channels.SBI has specifically advised customers to complete essential transactions in advance and use alternative banking channels wherever possible.Will UPI and Digital Banking Work During the Strike?Digital banking services are expected to remain available, although individual services could experience operational issues depending on the bank and circumstances.Customers can use UPI, internet banking, mobile banking and banking apps for routine transactions. ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines can also be used for eligible cash-related services.SBI has specifically advised customers to use YONO, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI, ATMs and ADWMs during the strike period.Other public sector banks, including Union Bank of India and Canara Bank, have also advised customers to rely on digital channels, ATMs and UPI where possible.Which Banks Could Be Affected?The strike is expected to have the biggest impact on public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks if employees participate.Several old-generation private sector banks could also experience disruptions.However, new-generation private sector banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank are expected to continue normal operations, according to current reports.Customers should therefore check their individual bank's advisory before planning an urgent branch visit.Why Is September 30 Important?The proposed strike coincides with the banking sector's half-yearly closing period.September 30 is an important date for banks because activities such as reconciliation, provisioning and treasury and market operations take place around the half-yearly closing.The Finance Ministry has warned that disruption during this period could affect customers, businesses, government transactions and other banking operations.What Happens on September 27?To reduce the impact of the proposed strike, all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, September 27.The government has said the decision was taken to ensure that customers' genuine banking requirements are not affected for an extended period because of the weekend followed by the proposed strike.The RBI has separately approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and Currency Chests on September 27.Customers with urgent branch-related work can therefore use Sunday as an additional opportunity to complete their transactions.(READ MORE : Banks Open on Sunday September 27: RBI Approves Full Operations Ahead of Bank Strike)What Should Customers Keep in Mind?Customers should avoid waiting until the last moment for transactions that require physical branch assistance.For routine payments and money transfers, digital channels such as UPI, mobile banking and internet banking can continue to provide alternatives.At the same time, customers should maintain sufficient cash for essential requirements and check their bank's latest advisory for any service-specific changes.The proposed three-day bank strike could affect physical banking services, but not every banking channel or bank is expected to be affected in the same way.
