UFBU Calls Nationwide Bank Strike on Jan 27 Over 5-Day Workweek
- Banking services may be impacted for four days amid the January 27 Strike Call. - UFBU promises bank work hours won’t be reduced after the 5-day workweek. - Employees have agreed to work an additional 40 minutes per day.
Bank employees’ unions in India are planning a nationwide strike on January 27, 2026, to demand a 5-day workweek (Monday to Friday). The agenda is clear: bank employees want working days like those in other offices. UFBU (United Forum of Bank Unions) is calling for this strike, which includes nine major bank unions. How will this strike affect your banking needs, given that January 26 is a public holiday (Republic Day) and January 25 is a Sunday? For that, learn more.
Why Are Bank Employees’ Unions Calling the Strike on January 27?
All bank employees collectively want a 5-day-a-week work life. Back in March 2024, during wage revision talks, the IBA (Indian Banks’ Association) and UFBU demanded all Saturdays as holidays. However, the government has not yet implemented it. This long delay has disappointed the unions, and they are now planning an all-India Bank strike.
Right now:
- Banks are closed on Sundays
- Closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays
- Open on 1st and 3rd Saturdays
The unions are striving to make all Saturdays holidays, as many other offices do.
What Is the United Forum of Bank Unions Offering in Return?
According to UFBU:
- There will be no loss of work hours during the Monday to Friday timeline.
- The bank employees have agreed to dedicate 40 extra minutes per day, Monday to Friday.
- They promised to fully compensate for Saturdays being off with this extra time.
How the January 27 Bank Strike Can Impact You?
If the strike actually happens, here's how the timeline looks:
- January 24 → Fourth Saturday (Holiday).
- January 25 → Sunday (Holiday).
- January 26 → Republic Day (Holiday).
- January 27 → Strike day.
Four consecutive bank holidays can affect your banking needs, especially if you need in-branch assistance or paperwork. The deposit machines may fill up as many people use them during the holidays. Customer care may also be closed/unavailable during the holidays.
Which Banks Will Be Affected Most On Bank Strike on January 27?
Mainly:
- Public sector banks (like SBI, PNB, etc.)
- Private banks may not be affected the same way. However, calling to confirm that your bank will close for the day can help you plan ahead.
What Are Unions Saying About the All-India Bank Strike?
UFBU says:
- The demand is reasonable and simple.
- The government is delaying and not responding.
They say, "Why not?" as other major institutions already work 5 days a week, such as:
- RBI
- LIC
- GIC
Also:
- Stock markets
- Forex market
- Money market
👉 None of these institutions works on Saturdays. Additionally, central and state government offices do not operate on Saturdays.
Social Media Support
UFBU have ran a social media campaign called #5DayBankingNow. The post is receiving good traction and public support.
Kinnary Nensee
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