A nationwide bank strike is underway today, January 27, 2026, impacting banking services across India. The strike is a result of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body of nine unions, moving forward with their call for action to push for the implementation of a five-day work week.
Which Banks are Affected?
The strike is expected to primarily affect public sector banks and some older private banks where union membership is active. Major lenders likely to be impacted include:
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of India
Private sector banks, such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, are expected to operate normally as their employees are generally not part of the striking unions.
Why are Banks Striking?
The primary demand of the striking unions is the implementation of a five-day work week. This follows a period of growing frustration among bank employees, who cite chronic staff shortages, increased workloads, rising compliance demands and aggressive performance targets as factors negatively impacting their physical and mental health. The UFBU confirmed the strike after conciliation talks on January 23, 2026, with the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), the Department of Financial Services (DFS), and the Ministry of Finance failed to produce a resolution.
What Services Will Be Affected?
The strike is expected to disrupt several key banking services, particularly at the branch level:
- Cash Deposits and Withdrawals: Branch services for cash transactions are likely to be affected.
- Cheque Clearances: Delays in cheque clearing are expected.
- Other Routine Administrative Work: General administrative tasks handled at branches may face delays.
What Services Will Still Work?
Despite the strike, some banking services are expected to remain operational:
- Digital Banking: Services like UPI payments and internet banking are likely to continue without major disruptions.
- ATM Services: While digital services should remain functional, localized issues with ATM cash availability are possible due to operational challenges.
Inconvenience for Customers
The timing of the strike adds to potential customer inconvenience, as it follows closures on Sunday, January 25th, and Republic Day on Monday, January 26th. This means that many branch-level banking services may be unavailable for three consecutive days. Several public sector banks have already notified stock exchanges about the potential impact of the strike. Customers are advised to plan their banking activities accordingly, utilizing digital services where possible and anticipating potential delays in branch-related transactions.
