Banks to remain open on Sunday for customers' convenience in view of proposed strike

All banks, including Regional Rural Banks, will remain open on Sunday, September 27, to ensure customers have access to banking services amid a proposed three-day nationwide strike.

The Finance Ministry said the decision was taken after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) called for a strike from September 28 to 30. The union body claims to represent 90 per cent of the banking workforce.

RBI approves extended operations

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the functioning of all bank branches, offices, ATM-link branches and currency chests on September 27, the Finance Ministry said.

"In order to ensure that the genuine banking needs of the public are not adversely affected for an extended period, all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, the 27th of September, 2026," it said.

The proposed strike comes immediately after the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27. The government said the measures were aimed at preventing disruption to essential banking services.

UFBU seeks 5-day banking week

The UFBU is primarily seeking a five-day banking week. Its other demands include an update and improvement of pension, a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the old pension scheme (OPS).

The government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike.

Customers advised to use digital services

Several public sector banks have already issued advisories asking customers to use digital banking channels if the strike goes ahead.

Customers have been encouraged to use mobile banking, ATMs, internet banking, Business Correspondent (BC) Points and UPI for their banking requirements. Banks have also advised customers to complete essential transactions before the proposed strike dates to avoid inconvenience.

Strike coincides with half-yearly closing

The three-day strike would also overlap with the banking sector's half-yearly closing on September 30. The date is important for activities including reconciliation, provisioning, and treasury and market operations.

The Finance Ministry said the welfare and convenience of bank customers remained the government's foremost priority and that steps had been taken to ensure essential services continue uninterrupted.