Banking operations to be hit on January 27 as unions to go on strike seeking five-day work week
Bank unions in India, led by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), are proceeding with a nationwide strike on January 27, 2026. The action demands a five-day banking work week, making all Saturdays holidays.
The strike runs from midnight January 26 to midnight January 27, affecting public sector banks and some older private banks. It follows failed talks with the Chief Labour Commissioner on January 23.
Core services like cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and branch operations face disruptions. Banks such as State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda have warned customers while planning minimal continuity measures.
Bank staff currently get second and fourth Saturdays off, plus Sundays, per a 2024 wage settlement. Unions propose extending Monday-Friday hours by 40 minutes to offset lost time, aligning with government office practices.
This extends a three-day halt, including January 25 (Sunday) and 26 (Republic Day holiday). UFBU represents nine unions pushing the #5DayBankingNow campaign.
