The proposed bank strike from September 28 to 30 has prompted the government to take steps to minimise disruption to banking services. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) will remain open and operate as usual on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The decision is intended to provide customers with access to banking services ahead of the scheduled three-day nationwide strike and help reduce inconvenience caused by the potential disruption.
The Finance Ministry said the additional working day has been arranged to ensure that customers can complete essential banking transactions before the proposed strike. The move follows concerns that the combination of the fourth Saturday holiday on September 26, Sunday on September 27 and the three-day strike could otherwise result in an extended interruption of physical banking services.
Why Banks Will Open on Sunday
According to the government, the decision has been taken in view of the proposed strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). With September 26 being the fourth Saturday and September 27 normally a Sunday, the strike beginning September 28 could have significantly reduced access to branch-based banking services for several consecutive days.
The Finance Ministry said it had taken proactive measures to protect the banking needs of citizens and prevent inconvenience caused by the timing of the proposed industrial action.
The Reserve Bank of India has also approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27. This means the banking infrastructure covered by the approval can operate on the additional working day.
Three-Day Bank Strike From September 28
The UFBU has proposed a nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30, with the principal demand being the introduction of a five-day banking week. The union forum has also raised other employee-related issues during its negotiations with the authorities.
The government had earlier said that unions had raised two principal demands, including five-day banking and withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. According to a September 21 Finance Ministry statement, the government decided to keep the PLI scheme in abeyance following discussions, while the demand for a five-day banking week remained under consideration.
The proposed September strike follows a one-day strike held on September 11. The government has also referred to a further indefinite strike proposed from October 26 if the outstanding issue is not resolved.
Government Appeals for Uninterrupted Banking Services
The Finance Ministry has appealed to bank unions to defer the proposed strike and continue discussions to resolve outstanding issues.
The government has emphasised that banking services are essential for citizens, businesses, government transactions and financial markets. The proposed strike also coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks on September 30, a period involving reconciliation, provisioning and treasury-related operations.
In its September 21 appeal, the government said a prolonged interruption could affect customers and businesses at a particularly important point in the banking calendar.
The authorities have therefore taken steps to ensure that customers get an additional opportunity to access branch services before the proposed strike begins.
What Bank Customers Should Do
Customers who need branch-based services can use Sunday, September 27, as an additional working day at the affected public-sector and regional rural banking network.
Also Read | KAVACH 4.0: Indian Railways Takes Major Leap in Advanced Train Safety
Several banks have also advised customers to complete important transactions in advance and make use of digital banking facilities during the strike period. These include internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs, UPI and other self-service channels.
State Bank of India and other public-sector lenders have issued advisories asking customers to plan transactions ahead of the proposed strike. Digital services are expected to remain available, although individual services may depend on the operating arrangements of each bank.
RBI Approval Covers Key Banking Infrastructure
The RBI’s approval is significant because it extends beyond ordinary customer-facing branches. It covers bank offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests, allowing key parts of the banking network to remain operational on September 27.
The government said the measure is intended to safeguard customers from an unnecessarily prolonged disruption resulting from the combination of weekend holidays and the proposed strike.
The development gives customers an additional opportunity to handle urgent branch-related banking requirements before the proposed three-day industrial action.
For now, the proposed strike remains scheduled for September 28–30, while discussions between the government, bank managements and employee representatives continue. The government has urged all stakeholders to resolve outstanding matters through dialogue while ensuring continuity of essential banking services.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates and exclusive coverage.
