Bank strike alert: What SBI, BoB, Union Bank, and other banks customers should do before September 11

Bank customers may need to plan ahead as unions representing bank employees have announced multiple strikes that could affect branch and administrative office operations across the country.

The bank said in the filing that if the strike materialises, the functioning of its branches and administrative offices across India may be affected. Union Bank also said it is taking necessary steps to deal with the strike and ensure smooth functioning of its operations, while stating that it is currently unable to quantify the impact.

Bank of Baroda had disclosed the issue earlier, in an exchange filing on BSE dated September 2, 2026. The bank said the unions had given notice of strikes on September 11, September 28 to 30 and a continuous strike from October 26.

The country's largest lender said it had made arrangements to ensure normal functioning of branches and offices, but added that work in the bank may be impacted by the strike.

Why has the strike been called and who is behind it?

The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which represents seven bank employee and officer unions. The participating unions include the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC), National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), Indian National Bank Employees Federation (INBEF) and Indian National Bank Officers' Congress (INBOC).

The unions are protesting over several issues, including the revised performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for senior bank officers and demanding implementation of a five-day banking week.

The unions have objected to a separate PLI arrangement for officers in Scale IV and above, arguing that the incentive structure was not in line with the arrangement agreed earlier. They have also been pressing for the implementation of a five-day working week for bank employees.

While the dispute is between the unions, banks and the authorities, the potential impact could be felt by customers if branch operations are disrupted.

What does the strike mean for your money?

For customers, the key issue is access to banking services, rather than the safety of money lying in their accounts.

If you need to visit a branch for cash withdrawals, cheque-related work, submitting documents, locker services or other branch-dependent transactions, it may be better to complete these tasks before the strike dates.

Digital banking, UPI and other online payment channels will continue to provide access to routine services, but customers should not assume that every transaction requiring bank employees or back-office processing will be completed without delays.

The proposed indefinite strike from October 26 could be particularly significant if it materialises, as prolonged disruption could affect customers who depend on physical branches for their banking needs.

What should bank customers do?

• Complete important branch-related work before the announced strike dates.

• Keep sufficient cash for essential expenses if you expect to need a branch during the strike.

• Use digital banking and UPI options ready for routine transactions.

• Do not postpone documentation or other services that require bank staff.

• Keep track of further announcements from your bank, particularly ahead of October 26.

Planning branch-dependent transactions in advance can help you avoid unnecessary disruption.