SBI bank branches will remain closed for 6  days, Know the reason

SBI Bank Strike: Millions of customers of the largest government bank in the country, the State Bank of India (SBI), are in for a surprise. SBI Bank will be closed for six straight days. The employee union has planned a bank strike on May 25 and 26, 2026. May 25 falls on a Monday, while May 26 is a Tuesday. Prior to this, banks will be closed on May 23 due to the fourth Saturday and on May 24 for Sunday.

Additionally, banks will also be closed on May 27 and 28 in several states due to Bakrid. Therefore, SBI Bank customers will face a total of six days without access to bank branches. The strike aims to address employee rights, improve the working environment, and fulfill outstanding demands.

SBI bank branches will be closed for six consecutive days

In the event of the strike, banks will not operate for six continuous days. They will be closed on May 23 for the fourth Saturday and on May 24 for Sunday. SBI bank employees are set to strike on May 25 and 26. Furthermore, many states will see bank closures on May 27 and 28 due to Bakrid. As a result, SBI bank branches will be unavailable for six consecutive days.

What are the reasons behind the SBI employees’ strike?

The State Bank of India (SBI), the largest public sector bank in the country, is anticipated to conduct a two-day strike on May 25 and 26, 2026. This strike has been called by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF). The federation claims that the issues faced by employees have been overlooked for an extended period, and many agreements are not being properly enforced.

This strike will particularly affect employees categorized as workmen. The union contends that numerous decisions are being made without consulting employees, which undermines their rights.

The employees have put forth several significant demands

The Federation has submitted 16 demands to the bank management. These demands encompass matters related to new hiring, pensions, promotions, and working conditions.The union has announced that the hiring of messengers, or support staff, has been stopped for several years, resulting in the near-disappearance of this role. Additionally, there are worries about the lack of armed guards in bank branches. Referencing the recent robbery at an SBI branch in Surat, the union is calling for enhanced security measures.

Dissatisfaction regarding NPS and salary also

Employees have also expressed concerns about the National Pension System (NPS). They mentioned that they lack the option to switch their pension fund manager, a choice that is available at other public sector banks. The union has also highlighted the issue of pay inequality, stating that while officers are receiving special pay increases, workmen are not benefiting from these raises.

Demonstrations will take place before the strike

Prior to the strike, workers plan to conduct several demonstrations, which will include lunchtime protests, social media initiatives, press conferences, sit-ins, and submitting memorandums to both the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister.