Bank unions go on nationwide strike on January 27 over five-day work week demand
Bank employee and officer unions under UFBU are holding a one-day strike on January 27, saying approval for a five-day work week with all Saturdays off has been delayed, and warning of disruptions to branch-level services.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
Banking operations are expected to face disruption on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as bank employees’ and officers’ unions under the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) proceed with a one-day nationwide strike to press for a five-day work week, including making all Saturdays bank holidays.
According to reports, the strike is being framed as a protest against delays in government approval for a revised weekly schedule. UFBU and its constituents have argued that an industry proposal—backed by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)—has remained pending despite earlier understandings and agreements, including a memorandum of understanding reached in December 2023 and subsequent settlements in 2024.
Union representatives have said the five-day week would not reduce overall working time because the plan includes a modest extension of working hours from Monday to Friday. They have also pointed out that several comparable institutions and markets already function on a five-day schedule, and have cited employee welfare and workload sustainability as key reasons for the change.
In practical terms, customers may see branch-level services affected—cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearances, and some administrative processing—particularly in public sector banks where union participation is significant. Digital banking channels, including online banking and UPI, are typically expected to continue functioning, though cash replenishment for ATMs can face localised pressure when branch operations slow.
For many customers, the timing compounds the impact because January 26 is Republic Day and January 25 was a Sunday, meaning the strike could create a three-day stretch in which branch activity is limited. Consumers and small businesses with cash handling needs or time-sensitive clearing requirements may need to plan around the disruption.
- If you need branch services: prioritise urgent cash or cheque-related work before end-of-day January 24 or after January 27 where possible.
- If you rely on payments: keep fallback options (UPI, netbanking, cards) and confirm beneficiary details early.
- If you run a business: review cash float and vendor schedules to avoid last-minute clearing delays.