Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Banking services across India are facing disruption today as a nationwide bank strike by public sector bank employees is underway. The strike has raised concerns among customers, especially those who rely on branch-based services such as cash transactions, cheque clearance, and loan-related work.
The protest comes after talks between bank unions and authorities failed to reach a consensus, leading to operational challenges in several regions.
What Is the Reason for the Bank Strike Today?
The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which represents employees from multiple public sector banks. Union leaders say the action was taken after negotiations on key demands remained unresolved.
The main reasons for the bank strike include:
- Demand for a five-day banking work week
- Opposition to increased daily working hours
- Concerns over staff shortages and workload pressure
- Protection of existing service conditions
According to the unions, repeated discussions have not led to meaningful outcomes, prompting the nationwide protest.
Which Banks Are Affected by the Strike?
The bank strike mainly impacts public sector banks across India. Customers may experience disruptions at branches of:
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Bank of Baroda
- Union Bank of India
- Bank of India and other PSU banks
Private sector banks are largely unaffected, as their employees are not part of the strike.
Are Banks Closed Today Due to the Strike?
Banks are not officially closed as per the RBI holiday list. However, due to limited staff availability, many public sector bank branches may offer restricted or no counter services.
Services likely to be affected include:
- Cash deposits and withdrawals at branches
- Cheque clearing and demand drafts
- KYC updates and document verification
- Loan processing and customer assistance
The level of disruption may vary depending on employee participation in different regions.
Which Banking Services Are Still Working?
Despite the strike, customers can continue to access essential digital services, including:
- ATM cash withdrawals
- UPI payments and mobile banking
- Internet banking transactions
- Debit and credit card payments
Banks have advised customers to rely on digital banking channels during the strike period to avoid inconvenience.
How Does the Bank Strike Affect Customers?
For most users, digital transactions remain unaffected. However, customers who require in-branch services may face delays. Small businesses and individuals handling cash or paperwork-related banking tasks may need to reschedule their visits.
Experts recommend planning non-urgent banking work after normal operations resume.
How Long Will the Bank Strike Last?
The current strike is scheduled for one day, ending tonight. However, union representatives have indicated that further action may be considered if demands are not addressed in upcoming discussions.
Customers are advised to stay updated through official bank notices.
What Should Customers Do During the Bank Strike?
To minimize inconvenience, customers should:
- Use ATMs and online banking services
- Avoid visiting bank branches unless necessary
- Follow official updates from their respective banks
- Plan important transactions in advance
Conclusion
The bank strike today in India highlights ongoing challenges within the public banking sector. While digital banking ensures continuity for most services, branch-dependent customers may experience short-term disruptions. The situation is expected to normalize once discussions resume between bank unions and authorities.
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