Bank Unions to Strike September 28-30; Digital Channels Stay Open

Bank customers across India may face disruption in branch-based services as bank unions prepare to observe a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which has listed the implementation of a five-day banking week among its key demands.

At present, bank employees get holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays, while other Saturdays remain working days. The unions are also seeking changes related to pension benefits and other service-related issues.

Services that require a physical branch or manual processing are likely to be affected during the strike. However, digital channels, internet banking, ATMs and cash deposit machines will remain fully operational to handle customer transactions.

What customers can still do

• Withdraw cash from an ATM, though cash availability may vary by location and replenishment.
• Use UPI to pay shops, bills and individuals.
• Transfer money through internet or mobile banking for eligible transactions.
• Check account balances through mobile banking, internet banking and banking apps.
• Pay electricity, water, phone and other utility bills digitally.
• Handle routine services through the bank's mobile app.
• Use internet banking portals for fund transfers, bill payments and other digital services.
• Use Customer Service Points or Business Correspondents, as advised by banks such as SBI and Union Bank where available.
• Deposit or withdraw cash through machines such as ADWMs, subject to availability.
• Apply for loans or credit cards online through the bank's website or app.

Why branches opened on Sunday

The strike may affect businesses, government transactions and physical banking services. To reduce inconvenience, public sector banks and regional rural banks (RRBs) were asked to keep their branches open on Sunday, September 27.

The Finance Ministry said all public sector banks and regional rural banks would function normally on Sunday, with RBI approval for bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests to remain operational. The move was aimed at helping customers complete urgent banking work before the three-day strike.

Customers with pending paperwork, cash-related work or other branch-dependent tasks were advised to use the Sunday window, subject to their bank branch's local arrangements.