A three-day nationwide bank strike that was due to begin on Monday has been called off after a late-night meeting between the Indian Banks’ Association and the United Forum of Bank Unions.
The unions confirmed the decision in Circular No. 2026/31 dated 27 September 2026. Talks wrapped up around 9:30 p.m. After deliberations, both sides agreed that proposed agitational programmes and strike actions would be deferred.
The core demand remains a five-day banking week—every Saturday off, not only the second and fourth. Banks now close on those two Saturdays. Unions have argued the full five-day week was part of the March 2024 wage settlement and has not been implemented. Management and the government have said the issue is still under consideration and must account for customers and other stakeholders.
Under Sunday’s understanding, a high-level IBA–UFBU committee will be formed immediately. It is tasked with examining whether the remaining Saturdays can be declared holidays, exploring alternatives, consulting stakeholders, and working toward a solution that also protects customers.
Two other tracks stay open. Discussions can begin with IBA on modifications to the performance-linked incentive scheme for Scale IV and above officers, so that union observations can be placed before the government. Residual issues listed in the minutes of 8 March 2024 are to be taken up for faster resolution.
The timing mattered. The strike would have followed a weekend and landed on month-end closing dates, when branch traffic is heavy. Authorities had already directed public-sector and regional rural banks to operate on Sunday, 27 September, to limit disruption. Digital channels and ATMs were expected to stay available even if the walkout had gone ahead.
The deferral is not a final settlement. UFBU has previously flagged a possible indefinite strike from 26 October if the five-day week remains unresolved. For now, the immediate three-day shutdown is off. Branches are expected to open as usual from Monday while the new committee starts work.
