The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) is set to hold a nationwide strike on September 11, 2026, with bank employees pressing for the implementation of a five-day banking week, a review of performance-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and resolution of several other pending demands. The proposed strike could disrupt banking operations across the country, particularly at public sector banks, as unions seek action on issues that have remained unresolved.

The five-day banking week is among the major demands being raised by the bank unions. Employees have been seeking a system in which banks remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays, instead of the existing arrangement under which only the second and fourth Saturdays are generally holidays for banks. The unions have been pressing for the change as part of broader demands concerning working conditions and the organisation of banking services.

Differences over performance-linked incentive schemes are another key issue behind the proposed industrial action. The unions have raised concerns regarding the existing PLI arrangements and are seeking a review of the system. Pension-related matters and other pending demands are also part of the issues being taken up by the UFBU, which represents several bank employee and officer unions.

Also Read: UFBU Calls Nationwide Bank Strike On September 11 Over Long-Pending Employee Demands

The timing of the strike could result in a longer disruption to banking services in some parts of the country. September 11 falls on a Friday and is followed by the second Saturday and Sunday, which are bank holidays. September 14 is also a holiday in some States because of Ganesh Chaturthi. As a result, customers in affected areas could face interruptions to branch-based services over several consecutive days.

The impact of the strike is expected to be more significant at public sector banks if employees participate in large numbers. Services such as branch operations and other activities requiring staff presence could be affected. However, the extent of the disruption will depend on participation levels and the arrangements made by individual banks for essential services and digital banking operations.

The proposed action comes as bank unions continue to press authorities and managements to address their outstanding demands. Customers who require branch-based banking services may therefore need to plan transactions around the strike and the subsequent holidays. Online and mobile banking facilities may continue to remain available where offered by individual banks, although services requiring physical branch assistance could be affected during the period.

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