Bank Strike 2026 Today: Bank Unions Strike Triggers Nationwide Bank Holiday

Bank Strike 2026 Today has emerged as a trending topic on Google following the nationwide bank unions strike called for January 27, 2026, leading to a bank holiday effect across public sector banks in India. Millions of customers and households are looking for information today on what services are affected and why this strike has been called.

What Is Happening With Bank Strike 2026 Today?

Bank employees and officers under the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), representing nine major trade unions, have gone on strike today, January 27, 2026, pushing for the implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector.

This strike comes immediately after a long Republic Day weekend (January 24-26), which already saw banks closed due to scheduled holidays. As a result, many public sector bank branches remain shut for multiple days and are experiencing disruption in basic services like cash withdrawals, cheque processing, and in-branch inquiries.

Why Are Bank Unions on Strike?

The primary demand behind the bank unions strike is that the government should formally approve a five-day work week for bank staff, with all Saturdays declared as holidays. Currently, only the second and fourth Saturdays are non-working days, meaning most weeks remain a six-day work schedule for bank employees — a point of contention with unions.

Union leaders say that the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) had recommended this transition as early as 2023, and it was reaffirmed in agreements in 2024, but formal government approval is still pending.

Which Banks Are Affected?

• Public Sector Banks: Most likely to be impacted today — including major lenders such as State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda.
• Private Banks: Many private banks like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are expected to operate normally, though some services may slow due to industry-wide effects.
• Cooperative & Regional Banks: Participation varies depending on union alignment and regional decisions.

Note: Digital banking, mobile apps and ATM services generally remain operational even during strike-driven bank holidays.

Bank Holiday Impact & Service Disruption

Today being marked as a bank holiday due to the union strike means:

• Branch services are disrupted or unavailable today in many regions.
• Certain in-person services like deposits, loan processing, account queries, and cash transactions will be limited or delayed.
• Scheduled services like cheque clearances and cash handling may also face delays.
• Customers are advised to use online and digital banking channels for transaction needs.
  
  Check official news on RBI also

Government and Union Reactions

Government sources indicate that talks with union leaders did not reach a breakthrough before the scheduled strike. Despite conciliation meetings with the Chief Labour Commissioner, unions decided to proceed with the action to raise pressure for their demands.

Union leaders have reaffirmed their commitment, stating that strike action remains an essential step toward achieving better working conditions and regularizing the five-day work week across the sector.

What Customers Must Know Today

✔ Check branch status before visiting — many public sector banks are closed today due to the bank unions strike.
✔ Use digital and online banking to complete urgent transactions.
✔ ATMs are operational, but cash availability can vary.
✔ Government & RBI updates should be followed for official notifications.

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