Public Sector Banks Likely to Remain Closed for Three Days from September 28: AIBEA Calls Strike

Three-day bank strike

The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) has asked its office-bearers, state federations and affiliated unions to make the September 28–30 strike its “top priority”, according to a circular issued by AIBEA General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam on September 16.

Public sector bank branches to remain closed

For ordinary bank customers, the immediate impact is that branches of public sector/nationalised banks are expected to remain closed during the three-day strike, subject to participation by employees and unions.

Customers planning to visit their bank branch for cash deposits or withdrawals, cheque-related work, account services, loan-related work, KYC, certificates or other counter services should therefore complete important transactions before the strike dates or make alternative arrangements.

ATMs, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and other digital services may continue to function, although availability of individual services can vary during a strike.

Why are bank employees striking?

At the centre of the agitation is the long-pending demand for a five-day banking week.

AIBEA says five-day banking was agreed upon in the settlement reached between the banking unions and the Indian Banks’ Association on March 8, 2024. However, the association says there has been no positive response from the IBA or the Government on implementing the arrangement.

The proposed three-day strike follows an earlier strike action by bank employees on September 11, 2026.

Conciliation meeting on September 22

The issue is also headed for a formal conciliation process. AIBEA said the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner, Delhi, has called a conciliation meeting for September 22.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), according to AIBEA, will make efforts at the meeting to convince the authorities to accept the unions’ demands.

At the same time, AIBEA has directed its units and members to continue preparations for the three-day strike.

AIBEA warns against bank merger messages

The AIBEA circular also takes aim at messages circulating about a possible merger of banks.

The association said further consolidation and merger of banks is part of the Government’s agenda, but claimed that no decision on further mergers has been taken so far. It also said the High-Level Committee on Reforms and its terms of reference had not yet been finalised.

AIBEA has advised bank employees and officers not to be diverted by what it described as false or misleading messages regarding bank mergers.

What bank customers should know

September 28, 29 and 30: Three-day bank strike called by AIBEA
Who will be affected: Branch banking services of participating banks/employees, particularly public sector/nationalised banks
Key demand: Implementation of a five-day banking week
September 22: Conciliation meeting convened by the Dy. Chief Labour Commissioner, Delhi
Digital banking: Internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and ATMs may remain available, but customers should make essential transactions in advance.

With the strike dates approaching, customers who have important branch-related work should avoid waiting until September 28.

AIBEA’s message to its members is clear: “Strike is our path – Prepare for it.”