Bank Holiday: There is considerable confusion among the public regarding the upcoming bank strike, with many wondering when banks will remain open. Typically, banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. While banks are always closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, they will remain open this time on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
This decision has been made in light of the three-day bank strike scheduled from September 28 to 30. Bank employees across the country are set to observe a three-day nationwide strike on September 28, 29, and 30. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has stated that it has no intention of calling off the strike.
The unions decided to proceed with the strike after conciliation talks held on September 22 between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance proved inconclusive. It is worth noting that the unions had previously observed a one-day strike on September 11 and have warned of an indefinite strike starting October 26 if their demands are not met.
Banks to remain open on Sunday
The UFBU has announced a three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30. Since September 26 and 27 fall on the weekend, if banks had remained closed on both days, followed by the three-day strike, customers would have been deprived of branch services for five consecutive days. Consequently, the Finance Minister decided to keep banks open on Sunday. According to the Ministry, all public sector banks and regional rural banks will operate normally on Sunday, September 27.
RBI approval granted
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval to keep bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches, and currency chests operational on September 27. The government stated that this decision aims to spare customers the inconvenience of being without banking services for an extended period.
Will banks also open on Saturday, September 26? September 26 is the fourth Saturday, which is typically a bank holiday. Therefore, before visiting the bank on Saturday, be sure tconsultck the list issued by your specific bank branch.
Why is there a strike from September 28 to 30?
The UFBU has announced a three-day strike for September 28, 29, and 30. A key demand of the unions is the implementation of a five-day banking workweek. Although the government and bank management have appealed for the strike to be called off, the proposed strike schedule remains in place for now. Digital services such as internet banking, mobile banking, and UPI will continue to operate normally.
What is the demand for a 5-day banking week?
Current Rules: At present, banks remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month, while the second and fourth Saturdays are holidays.
Employees’ Demand: Bank employee unions are demanding that all Saturdays be declared holidays and that a five-day workweek (Monday to Friday) be implemented. In return, bank employees are willing to work an additional 30 to 45 minutes each day.