Bank unions to go on nationwide strike on January 27 over demand for 5-day work week
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Employees of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) demonstrate in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, advocating for a five-day workweek in the banking sector on January 5, 2026.
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ANI
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) will proceed with a nationwide bank strike on January 27, 2026, to demand a transition to a five-day workweek with Saturdays as holidays.
Banking operations at 12 public sector banks and select older private sector banks may experience disruptions next Tuesday. This follows an extended closure period for banks beginning January 24.
Financial institutions remain closed on January 24 (fourth Saturday), January 25 (Sunday), and January 26 (Republic Day).
UBFU comprises nine unions and associations: 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.
State Bank of India confirmed receiving strike notification through the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), stating, “UFBU has informed of a nationwide strike from midnight of January 26 until midnight of January 27.”
The bank indicated making operational preparations while acknowledging possible service impacts if the strike proceeds.
Multiple banks including Bank of Baroda, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, and Karur Vysya Bank filed regulatory notices about potential operational disruptions.
CH Venkatachalam, General Secretary of AIBEA, stated: “Converting Saturdays to holidays wouldn’t reduce productivity, as unions have consented to extend daily operations by 40 minutes weekdays. Five-day weeks already exist at RBI, LIC, and government offices.”
“Financial markets, government offices, and global counterparts observe Saturday closures. Banks should align with this standard,” he emphasized.
Published on January 24, 2026
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