Bank Strike: 1-Day protest for 5-day work week affects services in state-owned banks

Bank employees observe a one-day strike across country over a five-day workweek demand in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradeh, on Tuesday
| Photo Credit:
ANI

Banking services faced disruptions at public sector banks and select older private sector lenders nationwide on Tuesday due to a strike organized by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The action aimed to push demands for a five-day banking week with all Saturdays designated as holidays.

Newer private sector banks operated normally as their workforce lacks union representation.

UFBU officials characterized the strike as impactful.

Financial Transactions Affected

The walkout affected core banking functions including check clearing operations at 12 public sector banks and certain traditional private banks, as junior and mid-level staff formed the largest contingent participating in the industrial action.

Nine major banking unions coordinate through the UFBU: All India Bank Employees Association, All India Bank Officers Confederation, National Confederation of Bank Employees, All India Bank Officers Association, Bank Employees Federation of India, Indian National Bank Employees Congress, Indian National Bank Officers Congress, National Organisation of Bank Workers, and National Organisation of Bank Officers.

Banking Sector Notifications

Several lenders, including public sector institutions, had informed stock exchanges about potential service interruptions. State Bank of India’s recent regulatory filing noted that despite contingency planning, branch operations might experience strike-related effects.

Currently, Indian banks operate on alternate Saturdays while institutions like RBI, LIC, and government offices follow a five-day schedule.

CH Venkatachalam of the All India Bank Employees’ Association highlighted industry disparities: “Financial markets and government offices don’t operate Saturdays, making our demand reasonable. After December 2023 negotiations proposed extending weekday hours by 40 minutes to facilitate Saturday closures, this approval remains pending with authorities.”

S Nagarajan, General Secretary of All India Bank Officers’ Association, emphasized additional unresolved matters including wage agreement provisions, performance-based incentives, and pension scheme revisions.

Bank staff nationwide conducted demonstrations advocating for the five-day workweek implementation.

Published on January 27, 2026