The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) announced a nationwide strike that will run from Monday, September 28 to Wednesday, September 30, suspending all branch‑based banking functions across the country. The walk‑out will affect cash deposits, cheque clearing, KYC work, and loan documentation, leaving customers without in‑person service for three days.
ATMs will stay open, but cash availability may vary by location and replenishment schedules. Automated deposit machines will accept deposits only where the facility is available, meaning some customers may have to wait until the strike ends.
Digital channels—mobile apps, internet banking and UPI—will remain operational, enabling fund transfers, bill payments and balance checks. The strike will not touch online fraud detection or risk monitoring systems, which continue to run in real time.
To cushion the blow, the Finance Ministry authorized all public‑sector banks and regional rural banks to open their branches on Sunday, September 27, a move approved by the RBI. Private‑sector banks are expected to run on a limited schedule, but most will keep ATMs and digital services active.
The strike arrives just before the half‑yearly financial close on September 30, meaning internal reconciliations may be delayed. A factory worker in Bengaluru, who was set to receive a ₹12,000 salary on September 30, said he will have to wait until the strike ends. Banks are urging customers to complete urgent paperwork before the strike begins.