Bank customers across India are preparing for possible disruptions as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called a nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026. The action is expected to affect public-sector banks and Regional Rural Banks, while several private and cooperative banks are expected to continue normal operations.
The situation follows the fourth-Saturday holiday on September 26 and the government's decision to keep public-sector and Regional Rural Banks operational on Sunday, September 27. The Reserve Bank of India has also approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27.
Public-Sector Banks to Face Strike-Related Disruptions
Customers of banks such as SBI, PNB and Canara Bank may face branch-level disruptions during the September 28–30 strike. SBI has advised customers to use Sunday, September 27, to complete essential transactions before the proposed strike period.
The strike coincides with the banking sector's half-yearly closing on September 30, making the period particularly important for financial reconciliation, statutory work and other banking processes.
For businesses handling payroll, tax payments, reconciliations and other time-sensitive transactions, advance planning and accurate financial records can help reduce disruption. This is also a period when bookkeeping services in india can support businesses in keeping their financial documentation and transaction records organised.
Private and Cooperative Banks Expected to Operate
The impact is not expected to be uniform across the banking sector. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank are among the new-generation private lenders expected to continue normal operations during the strike. Karnataka Bank, however, has warned that branch and office operations could be affected if the strike materialises.
Cooperative banking institutions have also indicated that they are not participating in the strike and are expected to remain operational during September 28–30.
Customers should nevertheless confirm the operating status of their individual bank and branch before making an in-person visit, particularly around September 27.
Sunday Banking Creates Confusion for Some Customers
Although the Finance Ministry has directed public-sector and Regional Rural Banks to operate on Sunday, September 27, some bank unions have questioned the working-day arrangement. The All India Bank Officers' Association has advised its members not to report for work that day, while the UFBU has also raised concerns about differing instructions issued by banks.
At the same time, SBI has separately confirmed that its branches will remain open on Sunday to help customers complete essential transactions.
ICAI Advises Chartered Accountants to Plan Ahead
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has advised its members to obtain required banking information, documents and confirmations in advance because the strike coincides with important statutory and tax-compliance timelines around September 30.
The development is particularly relevant for companies approaching audit, tax and regulatory deadlines. Businesses may therefore benefit from completing bank-dependent documentation and reconciliations before the strike period.
What Customers Should Keep in Mind
Customers using public-sector or Regional Rural Banks should consider completing essential branch-based transactions before September 28 where possible. Digital banking channels, ATMs, UPI and internet or mobile banking may continue to provide services, although customers should check individual bank advisories for any service-specific limitations.
The proposed strike remains linked to unresolved issues raised by bank unions, including the demand for a five-day banking week and concerns surrounding the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The government and unions have presented differing positions on the issues.
With September 30 also marking the banking sector's half-yearly closing, customers and businesses should plan time-sensitive banking and compliance work accordingly.