Public sector banks across India are observing a strike on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) presses the government and banking authorities for the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek. The nationwide strike is expected to affect operations at most public sector bank branches, including cash transactions, cheque clearances, and administrative work. However, digital banking services such as UPI, mobile banking, and internet banking will continue to function normally, ensuring customers have access to essential banking services despite the work stoppage.

The strike comes after a conciliation meeting on January 23 between the UFBU and the Chief Labour Commissioner failed to yield a positive outcome. UFBU is an umbrella body representing nine unions of bank officers and employees, including the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC). The unions’ primary demand is the declaration of all Saturdays as holidays, a key point that was reportedly agreed upon during the 12th Bipartite Settlement with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in March 2024 but has yet to receive government notification. According to Rupam Roy, General Secretary of AIBOC, implementing a five-day workweek will not result in any loss of work hours, as employees have agreed to work an additional 40 minutes each day from Monday to Friday to compensate.

Public sector banks likely to be affected include major lenders such as State Bank of India (SBI), Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Bank of India. Services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque processing, and administrative tasks are expected to face delays or disruptions. Several banks, including SBI, have already informed the stock exchanges and customers through official notices that while the banks have made arrangements to maintain some level of functioning, the strike may impact normal branch operations.

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Customers are advised to plan ahead and rely on digital banking services wherever possible. UPI transactions, online fund transfers, mobile banking operations, and ATM services are expected to continue without disruption. Those requiring in-person services are encouraged to visit branches either before or after the strike or to schedule transactions for a later date.

The UFBU strike is part of ongoing negotiations to modernise working conditions in public sector banks. The move has sparked discussions across social media and news platforms, with employees advocating for better work-life balance and banks emphasising the importance of maintaining service continuity for customers. Experts say that while strikes are not uncommon in the banking sector, a coordinated nationwide stoppage highlights growing unrest among employees over long-standing agreements that remain unimplemented.

The five-day workweek, if implemented, is expected to align India’s banking sector with global practices and provide employees with greater personal time while maintaining operational efficiency. Until the government and banking authorities reach a resolution, the UFBU has indicated that further strikes could be called if their demands are not met.

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