Banking services impacted as unions go on nationwide strike to press for 5-day workweek
Public sector bank employees in India held a nationwide strike to demand a five-day workweek and resolution of pending wage issues. While branch services were disrupted, digital banking platforms remained operational.
Why it matters
The strike highlights ongoing labor tensions in the Indian banking sector regarding work-life balance and the implementation of previously agreed-upon settlements.
Banking services, especially at public sector banks across the country, were impacted on Friday (September 11, 2026) after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) called a nationwide strike to press for the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek and resolve pending wage-related issues.
The strike call given by the UFBU, an umbrella body of seven unions representing 90% of officer and employee strength, did not impact the functioning of private sector banks.
Most branches of public sector banks across the country were either completely or partially closed as both employees and officers observed the strike.
Services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and administrative work were hit at branches of most public sector banks (PSBs) and some old-generation private sector banks.
However, digital banking services, including UPI and internet banking, were functional.
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