Bank Strike Today: Friday is proving turbulent for the banking sector. Bank employees across the country have gone on a major strike today. This nationwide strike is being held on September 11, 2026, at the call of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). For a long time, employees have been demanding a five-day working week. Several rounds of talks failed to yield any concrete results, leading the unions to refuse to call off their strike flatly. This decision has created difficulties for millions of bank customers across the country.
Public Banks Completely Halted
The nationwide strike is having the most severe impact on public sector banks. From the country’s largest banks, State Bank of India, to Punjab National Bank, branches are closed. Furthermore, branches of Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, UCO Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra are also closed. All essential branch operations, from cash deposits and withdrawals, drafts, and check clearing, have come to a halt. Loan-related work is also severely affected. People are being turned away empty-handed due to the lack of service at the counter.
Latest Update for Private Bank Customers
While government banks are quiet, there is some reassuring news for some customers. Many of the country’s major private banks are staying away from the strike. If you have an account with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, or IndusInd Bank, you can visit your branch without worry. Operations at these banks are running smoothly as usual. However, due to the strong influence of employee unions in some older private banks, services may be slightly affected. The situation at cooperative banks is also different. Operations there are entirely dependent on decisions made by local employee unions. Therefore, customers are advised to contact their branch by phone before visiting.
Digital transactions were not affected.
Most people rely on online payments these days. It’s a relief that this bank employee strike hasn’t affected digital banking services. Your UPI services, internet banking, and mobile banking are fully operational. You can easily transact money from home. As for ATMs, they are working. However, due to cash non-refill or local technical issues, ATMs may run out of cash in some locations. Therefore, it’s important to exercise caution if you need large amounts of cash.
Major problems will persist for the next three days.
This strike will not be a one-day problem for the general public. Banks are on strike on September 11. The next day, September 12, is the second Saturday of the month, a bank holiday. Banks will also be closed on September 13, as it falls on a Sunday. This means that banks will now reopen on Monday. Branch operations will be affected for three consecutive days. In such a situation, customers should complete their important work solely through digital means.
