Govt Says Banks Will Remain Open This Sunday Ahead of Three-Day Nationwide Strike

New Delhi: Customers will get an additional day to complete essential banking work before a proposed three-day nationwide strike, with the government announcing that Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) will remain open on Sunday, September 27.

The decision comes ahead of the strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30. The strike would follow the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27, potentially creating a prolonged interruption in branch-based banking services.

Why will banks open on Sunday?

The Finance Ministry said the Sunday opening is intended to ensure that the banking needs of the public are not affected for an extended period.

The ministry said the government and bank managements have also appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike and have taken measures to keep essential banking services available.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27.

Which banks will remain open?

The Finance Ministry's announcement specifically covers all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks, which will function normally on Sunday.

Customers who need branch-based services can therefore use September 27 to complete transactions before the proposed strike begins on Monday.

When is the nationwide bank strike?

The UFBU has called the proposed strike for September 28, 29 and 30.

The unions have been seeking, among other demands, the implementation of a five-day banking week. Other demands include improvements in pension-related benefits, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered by the National Pension System to shift to the old pension scheme.

The UFBU says it represents around 90% of the banking workforce, according to reports. A conciliation meeting between union representatives and the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner on September 22 did not resolve the dispute.

Could customers face a five-day disruption?

The proposed strike comes immediately after the fourth Saturday and Sunday holidays on September 26 and 27.

Without the special Sunday opening, customers could have faced limited access to branch services across five consecutive days, from September 26 through September 30. The government's decision provides an additional working day before the strike period.

However, the impact of any strike would depend on participation by bank employees and the availability of digital banking channels.

What about ATMs and digital banking?

The RBI's approval includes ATM-linked branches and currency chests, while several banks have advised customers to use digital channels such as mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, UPI and business correspondent outlets for services that do not require a branch visit.

Branch-dependent services such as certain cheque-related transactions, documentation and other in-person work could face disruption if the strike proceeds.

Strike coincides with half-yearly bank closing

Another important factor is the timing of the proposed strike. September 30 is the half-yearly closing date for banks, making it significant for reconciliation, provisioning and treasury and market-related operations.

The government has therefore taken additional steps to minimise the effect of the proposed industrial action and has urged unions to defer the strike.

What should bank customers do?

Customers with urgent branch-related requirements may consider using Sunday, September 27, when PSBs and RRBs have been authorised to operate.

Those who can use digital services may also complete routine transactions through mobile or internet banking, ATMs and UPI during the proposed strike period.

The government and bank managements have appealed for the strike to be deferred, but as of September 23, the UFBU's three-day strike call remains in place.