New Delhi: Public sector banks (PSBs) and regional rural banks (RRBs) will operate as usual on Sunday, September 27, a day before a three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
The Ministry of Finance announced the special working arrangement on September 23, saying it was intended to ensure that customers did not face prolonged disruption. The proposed strike is scheduled from September 28 to 30 and comes immediately after the regular weekend holidays on September 26 and 27.
“In view of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, 2026, coinciding with the preceding weekend holidays of September 26 and 27, the government has taken proactive steps to safeguard the banking needs of citizens,” the ministry said.
The government added that all PSBs and RRBs would remain fully functional on September 27 so that customers could complete necessary branch-related transactions before the strike begins.
This besides, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on Sunday. The arrangement is expected to cover regular banking operations as well as cash management and ATM-support infrastructure, as reported by Hindustan Times.
“The Reserve Bank of India has granted approval for all bank branches, offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests to remain fully operational on 27.09.2026,” the ministry said.
The Centre and bank managements have urged the unions to withdraw or defer the proposed strike. The Finance Ministry said steps had been taken to keep essential banking services available and reduce inconvenience to customers.
“The Department reiterates that the welfare and convenience of bank customers remains the Government’s foremost priority. The Government and bank managements have appealed to unions to defer the proposed strike, and have also taken measures to ensure that essential banking services continue un-interrupted,” the statement read.
Why Strike Called?
The UFBU, which claims to represent around 90 per cent of the banking workforce, has called the three-day action mainly to demand the introduction of a five-day banking week. The proposed strike follows a one-day nationwide walkout held on September 11.
The unions are seeking holidays on all Saturdays, effectively allowing banks to operate from Monday to Friday. Their other demands include pension up-dation, an improved pension structure, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System to shift to the Old Pension Scheme.
The strike also coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks on September 30, potentially increasing pressure on branch and clearing operations.
Customer Advisory
Several banks have advised customers to complete urgent transactions before the strike. Customers may also use digital banking channels, ATMs, internet banking, mobile applications, UPI and banking correspondent outlets, where available, during the disruption. However, the availability of services could vary between banks and transactions.
