Banks to Remain Shut for Four Days as UFBU Calls Nationwide Strike on January 27
Unless a breakthrough is achieved, the proposed strike is expected to impact banking operations nationwide
Banking services across the country are likely to be severely disrupted later this month as bank unions under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) have announced a nationwide strike on January 27, 2026, in support of their long-pending demands, including the implementation of a five-day working week.
If the strike goes ahead as planned, public sector banks will remain closed for four consecutive days, causing inconvenience to customers and businesses alike.
The extended shutdown will result from a combination of holidays and the proposed strike. January 24 falls on the fourth Saturday, which is a bank holiday, followed by the regular Sunday holiday on January 25. Banks will remain closed on January 26 due to Republic Day, a national holiday. With UFBU announcing a strike on January 27, banking operations will effectively come to a standstill for four straight days. Normal functioning is expected to resume on January 28, 2026.
UFBU, an umbrella body representing major bank employee unions, has warned that the strike will be called if the government and bank managements fail to address their demands. The unions have described the issue as long overdue and central to improving working conditions in the banking sector.
The key demand of bank employees is the implementation of a five-day working week. At present, banks follow a system of alternate Saturdays off, with employees working on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month. The unions are seeking parity with institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), and General Insurance Corporation (GIC), which already operate on a five-day working schedule. They have also pointed out that central and state government offices remain closed on Saturdays.
According to union leaders, increased digitalisation, mounting work pressure, staff shortages, and longer working hours have made a five-day week essential to ensure better work-life balance and efficiency. The unions maintain that customer services can be managed effectively through digital banking channels even with reduced branch working days.
Customers have been advised to complete urgent banking transactions in advance and rely on digital banking services, including ATMs, internet banking, and mobile banking, during the period of disruption.
The situation will become clearer in the coming days as talks between the unions and authorities continue. However, unless a breakthrough is achieved, the proposed strike is expected to impact banking operations nationwide.
