Public sector banks across India are expected to see major disruptions in branch operations on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) proceeds with its nationwide strike. The move comes after recent talks with the Chief Labour Commissioner failed to resolve key demands, leaving unions with no choice but to call employees out on strike.

Contents

What Services Will Be Affected Union Position: What They Want Regulatory Filings and Bank Responses Customer Advisory Bottom Line FAQ

Why the Strike Is Happening

The strike isn’t random; it’s driven by long-standing demands from bank workers, particularly the call for implementing a five-day workweek in the banking sector. Unions argue this was agreed upon during the wage revision settlement with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in March 2024, but no formal government notification has been issued yet.

Leaders of major bank unions, including the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), have said that despite detailed discussions, there was no assurance on their key demand, compelling them to proceed with the strike.

What Services Will Be Affected

Here’s what customers should expect on Tuesday:

Branch-level services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and administrative work are likely to be disrupted for many public sector banks, including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda (BoB).
Digital banking services—including UPI, mobile, and internet banking—are expected to function normally.
ATM cash availability may face localised delays or issues due to logistics and reduced staff at branches.

Private sector banks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank are expected to continue regular operations, as their staff are generally not part of the unions participating in the strike.

With the strike following the Sunday and Republic Day (Monday) holidays, customers may face three consecutive days of limited branch banking services.

Service Type	Expected Status on Tuesday
Branch transactions	Likely disrupted (withdrawals, deposits, cheque clearance)
Digital banking (UPI, mobile, net banking)	Expected to function normally
ATMs	Cash availability may face localised delays
Private banks (HDFC, ICICI, Axis)	Normal operations, not part of UFBU

Union Position: What They Want

The UFBU, an umbrella body of nine unions representing bank officers and employees, has stressed its demand for:

Immediate implementation of a five‑day workweek across all banks
A balance between work and rest without loss of productivity
Reforms in working conditions and recognition of agreed terms in prior settlements

Union officials have emphasised that the strike is not against customers but aimed at improving workplace balance and sustainability. They argue that a rested workforce strengthens the banking system overall.

Regulatory Filings and Bank Responses

Several public sector banks have notified stock exchanges about the possible impact of the strike. SBI, in a regulatory filing, informed investors and customers that while arrangements had been made to minimize disruptions, work in branches may still be impacted due to the strike.

Customer Advisory

If you plan to visit a public sector bank on Tuesday:

Expect limited or no branch services
Plan any large cash requirements ahead of time
Use digital alternatives (UPI, mobile banking) wherever possible
Inform cheque beneficiaries about possible delays

Bottom Line

A nationwide strike called by bank unions on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, tied to long‑pending demands like a five‑day workweek, is expected to disrupt branch operations at most public sector banks. Digital banking should continue, but physical services will likely be limited, creating a rare three‑day gap in branch access due to consecutive holidays.