Banking services across India were heavily disrupted on September 11, 2026, following a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which includes employees and officers of public sector banks. The strike led to partial or full closures of many public sector bank branches, interrupting normal operations and causing inconvenience to customers nationwide.
The unions' primary demand was the immediate introduction of a five-day workweek for bank employees and officers, aiming to improve work-life balance and efficiency.
The UFBU, an umbrella group of seven bank unions representing about 90% of officers and employees in the banking sector, saw wide participation from both staff and officers, making it a nationwide action. Public sector banks saw significant disruption with branches closed or operating with minimal staff, affecting customers relying on in-branch services.
Private sector banks were not impacted and maintained normal operations during the strike. The strike also spotlighted ongoing labour issues in public banking, including working conditions and unresolved wage matters. The UFBU seeks resolution of these alongside the five-day workweek demand.
As of now, there has been no formal update on negotiations or resolution from the government or bank authorities, indicating continued disagreement over the unions' demands.
