Bank employees across India are participating in a nationwide strike today, disrupting multiple public sector bank operations and preventing customers from entering their local branches. The strike is driven by staff demands for an official five-day work week and other service-related issues. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening, what services are working, and how you can plan ahead to avoid inconvenience.
Why Are Banks on Strike?
Bank unions, led by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), have called a nationwide strike on 27 January 2026. Their main demand is to implement a five-day workweek for bank employees, a change agreed upon in past negotiations but not yet officially notified. According to unions, this work structure will create better work-life balance for employees while matching government office hours with banking sector operational days.
Which Banks Are Affected?
Likely Disrupted (Especially Public Sector Banks)
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of India
- Other major government-owned banks
These banks may face branch service disruptions, including cash transactions and administrative work.
DON'T MISS
Likely Operating Normally
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Other major private sector banks
Private bank operations are expected to be less affected, as their employees are generally not part of the striking unions.
Services That May NOT Work (Branch Level)
During the strike, you may face problems with:
- Cash deposits & withdrawals at branch counters
- Cheque clearances
- Passbook updates
- In-person customer service & paperwork
- Administrative & loan processing tasks
These are handled by branch staff, many of whom are participating in the strike.
Services That WILL Work (Digital & Remote)
Good news many services remain available:
- UPI payments (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
- Net banking & mobile banking apps
- Digital transactions & bill payments
- ATMs & cash withdrawal machines
How Customers Should Plan Ahead?
Here’s how you can avoid trouble:
- Use digital banking instead of visiting branches
- Withdraw cash beforehand if you need it
- Avoid cheque-based transactions today
- Schedule transfers or payments before/after the strike
- Check with your branch for urgent paperwork timing
