Bank Strike Today: Services Disrupted, Here’s What’s Open Across India

Mumbai, Jan 27 : Public sector banks across India are experiencing disruptions on Tuesday as employee unions have launched a nationwide strike demanding the implementation of a five day work week. Private banks, however, are functioning normally.

The strike was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), representing nine officers and employee unions in public sector banks. The protest follows a failed conciliation meeting with the Chief Labour Commissioner on January 23, which could not resolve the ongoing dispute.

Services Likely to Be Affected
Routine banking operations at major state run banks such as SBI, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of Baroda may face interruptions. Customers could experience delays in cash withdrawals, deposits, cheque clearances, and back-office processing. SBI, in a regulatory filing, cautioned that while efforts have been made to maintain operations, the strike could affect normal branch functioning.

What Customers Need to Know
Private banks including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank are not part of the strike and will operate normally. Digital banking platforms such as UPI, mobile apps, and internet banking services are expected to run smoothly, though some ATMs may temporarily run out of cash in select locations.

Reason Behind the Strike
The industrial action focuses on the long-standing demand to implement a five day work week, making Saturdays official holidays. Although the proposal was included in the 12th Bipartite Settlement with the Indian Banks’ Association in March 2024, it has yet to receive government approval. The unions have vowed to continue pressing for formal implementation until the matter is resolved.