Bank Strike: Banks to Remain Closed for Three Days From September 28 as Employees Announce Strike
Bank employees will strike from September 28 to 30 over the five day banking week demand, while digital services including UPI and internet banking are expected to continue.
Bank Strike: Bank customers are likely to have fewer options for in-person banking at the end of September. Employees’ unions have announced a three-day strike from September 28 to 30, which could affect work at bank branches across the country.
The protest is linked to the long-standing demand for a five-day banking week. The United Forum of Bank Unions called the strike after talks on September 22 failed to resolve the issue.
Interestingly, customers will get a working day immediately before the strike begins. September 26 is the fourth Saturday, while September 27, Sunday, has been kept as a working day for banks. Those who have pending branch work can use that day to get it done.
The strike will mainly be felt in services that require customers to visit a branch. Digital options are expected to continue during the three-day protest. UPI payments, mobile banking and internet banking should remain available, while ATMs can be used for cash withdrawals and other supported transactions.
State Bank of India and Canara Bank have already alerted their customers about the proposed strike. Both banks have advised people to make arrangements for any important branch-related work instead of waiting until the strike starts.
The unions are not ruling out further action. They have said that if there is still no progress on the five-day banking week demand, an indefinite strike could begin from October 26.
For people who need services available only at a branch, the September 27 working day could therefore be important. Regular online payments and fund transfers, meanwhile, can continue through digital banking channels during the strike period.
