SBI Bank Strike Alert: Services May Be Hit for 4 Days in May—Check Dates Before Visiting Branch
Customers of State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank, may face inconvenience later this month as bank employees have announced a two-day strike. However, due to overlapping holidays, banking services could remain affected for four consecutive days, making it important for customers to plan their visits in advance.
When Will SBI Branches Be Affected?
According to reports, SBI employees are set to go on strike on:
- May 25, 2026 (Monday)
- May 26, 2026 (Tuesday)
However, the disruption may extend further because:
- May 23, 2026: Fourth Saturday (bank holiday)
- May 24, 2026: Sunday (weekly holiday)
This means SBI branches could remain effectively closed or partially functional for four straight days—from May 23 to May 26.
Why Are SBI Employees Going on Strike?
The strike has been called by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF), which represents workmen category employees.
The union has raised concerns that:
- Employee issues are being ignored
- Agreements are not being properly implemented
- Decisions are being taken without adequate consultation
The strike notice has reportedly been issued under provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
Key Demands of Employees
The federation has listed 16 major demands covering various aspects of employee welfare, including:
- Recruitment of support staff such as messengers
- Hiring of armed security guards for better safety
- Ending outsourcing in permanent roles
- Addressing salary parity issues
- Improving career progression policies
- Enhancing medical reimbursement facilities
- Including all salary components in pension calculations
Additionally, employees have raised concerns about the National Pension System (NPS), particularly the lack of flexibility in choosing pension fund managers.
Protest Schedule Before the Strike
Before the two-day strike, employees are planning several activities to highlight their demands:
- May 5: Lunch-hour protest
- May 6: Social media campaign
- May 7: Press conference
- May 8: Silent protest
- May 11 & May 18: Nationwide demonstrations
- May 19: Memorandum to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- May 21: Memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
How Will Customers Be Affected?
If the strike proceeds as planned, customers may experience:
- Delays in cash transactions
- Slower cheque clearance
- Limited availability of in-branch services
However, digital banking services such as mobile banking, internet banking, and ATM services are expected to remain operational.
What Should Customers Do?
To avoid inconvenience, SBI customers are advised to:
- Complete important banking tasks before May 23
- Use online banking services for urgent needs
- Avoid visiting branches during the strike period
Final Takeaway
The upcoming SBI strike could disrupt banking services for up to four days due to the overlap with weekend holidays. While online services may continue, branch-related activities could face delays. Planning ahead and using digital channels can help customers avoid last-minute hassles.
