The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) announced multiple strikes starting with an all-India strike on September 11, followed by a three-day strike from September 28 to 30, and an indefinite strike beginning October 26. The industrial actions are in response to delays in implementing a five-day working week, opposition to the government’s revised performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for senior bank officers, and unresolved pension and service-related issues, according to livemint.com.
The proposed five-day workweek would keep banks closed on all Saturdays while increasing daily working hours by about 40 minutes from Monday to Friday to maintain overall working hours. The UFBU’s statement highlighted dissatisfaction with the government’s revised PLI scheme and ongoing pension concerns, which have remained unaddressed for over two years since the last wage settlement. The strikes aim to pressure authorities to resolve these longstanding issues.
The banking sector’s move to a five-day workweek is part of broader efforts to improve employee work-life balance, but the delay and related disputes have triggered significant unrest among bank employees. The UFBU’s strike announcements reflect growing tensions in the sector, which is critical to India’s financial system. Similar industrial actions in the past have impacted banking operations nationwide, underscoring the stakes involved.
The UFBU’s strike schedule starting September 11 is expected to affect banking services across India. The union’s press statement, published on August 24, 2026, sets a clear timeline for escalating industrial action if their demands are not met.