Nationwide Bank Strike Likely to Disrupt Public Sector Operations Today

Banking services across public sector banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), are expected to face significant disruption on Tuesday following a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The strike, scheduled for January 27, has been called to press for the immediate introduction of a five-day workweek for bank employees.

The UFBU, an umbrella body representing nine major bank unions and covering employees and officers of public sector banks and some older private banks, announced the industrial action after talks with the Chief Labour Commissioner failed to yield a breakthrough. The strike will run from midnight on January 26 to midnight on January 27.

While public sector banks are likely to bear the brunt of the shutdown, private sector lenders such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and IDBI Bank are expected to operate as usual and remain largely unaffected.

SBI Flags Possible Disruption

Following the strike announcement, SBI issued a circular on January 23 cautioning customers about possible service interruptions. While the country’s largest lender said it had put arrangements in place to ensure continuity, it acknowledged that operations could still be impacted.

“While the Bank has made necessary arrangements to ensure normal functioning in its branches and offices on the day of the strike, it is likely that work in the Bank may be impacted,” SBI said in its advisory.

If the strike proceeds as planned, it would effectively extend the closure of public sector banks to a third consecutive day. Banks were already shut on Sunday, January 25, and Monday due to Republic Day-related holidays.

Five-Day Workweek at the Centre of the Row

At the heart of the protest is UFBU’s long-pending demand for a five-day workweek. Currently, bank employees are entitled to weekly holidays on Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

The demand gained renewed momentum after discussions with labour authorities last week ended without consensus. The unions argue that banks are an exception among major financial and government institutions, many of which already follow a five-day schedule. Bodies such as the Reserve Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation, General Insurance Corporation, and stock exchanges including the BSE and NSE operate from Monday to Friday.

UFBU leaders have expressed disappointment over what they describe as the government’s lack of response to a “legitimate and long-standing” demand, warning that continued inaction has left unions with little option but to resort to industrial action.

Customers of public sector banks have been advised to plan transactions accordingly as branch services, cheque clearances and in-person banking may be affected during the strike period.

ALSO READ: Banking Services to Be Disrupted on January 27 as Unions Strike for Five-Day Work Week