Bank Holiday: Banks to remain closed for 5 consecutive days! Nationwide strike announced from September 28 to 30..

Bank Strike Alert (September 28–30, 2026): If you plan to visit a bank in the coming days to withdraw cash, clear cheques, or handle other urgent tasks, this news is crucial for you. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced a three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026.

These strike dates fall immediately after the weekend. Banks will be closed on September 26 (the fourth Saturday of the month), followed by a Sunday holiday on September 27. If the three-day strike proceeds as scheduled, bank branches across the country could remain closed for five consecutive days, from September 26 to September 30.

It is also worth noting that these strike dates coincide with the banks' half-yearly closing period, which could significantly impact operational processes. Here is an overview of why bank employees are striking, the government's preparations, and which banking services will remain operational during this time.

Why are bank employees going on strike?

The primary demand of the UFBU—an organization representing approximately 90 percent of bank employees—is the implementation of '5-Day Banking.' Essentially, employees want banks to remain closed on both Saturdays and Sundays every week. Additionally, the unions have put forward the following key demands:

Government and Finance Ministry preparations

The Central Government and the Ministry of Finance have taken note of the potential inconvenience the strike could cause the general public. On Monday, the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services is holding a high-level meeting with the heads of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). The primary objective of this meeting is to devise contingency plans to ensure the smooth operation of essential banking services during the strike, thereby minimizing inconvenience to general customers.

**Complete essential tasks before September 26**

Several major banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India, have issued advisories for their customers.

**SBI's Message:** The bank will make every effort to provide essential services during the strike. However, customers are requested to complete any branch-related tasks before September 26 and utilize ATMs or digital channels for their cash requirements.

**Union Bank's Alert:** The bank will strive to maintain services, but branch operations could be directly impacted between September 28 and September 30.

**Will ATMs, UPI, and online banking remain operational?**

There is no need to panic even if branches remain closed. The following digital and automated services will continue to function normally during the strike:

**UPI:** Payments via Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc., will remain active.

**ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines:** Facilities for cash withdrawals and deposits will be available.

**Internet and Mobile Banking:** Fund transfers (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS) via YONO, net banking, and bank apps will proceed as usual.

**Business Correspondents and Customer Service Points:** These will continue to operate for minor banking needs at the local level.

In summary, if you need to visit a bank to withdraw cash, get a draft made, update your passbook, or deposit a cheque, please visit your branch and complete the task by Friday, September 25, without delay. Branch operations may remain stalled between September 26 and September 30. However, you can continue to use UPI and net banking without worry for your day-to-day digital transactions.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Money Control. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.