Erode Banks Hit as UFBU Strike Demands Five-Day Week
Erode Banks Hit as UFBU Strike Demands Five-Day Week
Public sector banks in Erode shut down as UFBU unions strike for a five-day week, disrupting services for thousands of customers and traders.
Banking operations were severely affected in Erode district on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as employees of public sector banks walked out in a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions. Across 217 branches in the district, more than 2,000 staff participated, led by Ganesan, coordinator of the Erode District Bank Officers’ and Employees’ Unions Federation. With Republic Day holidays and the standard weekend closures already in place, services have remained disrupted for four consecutive days, leaving customers and traders in a pinch.
The strike centers on the demand for a five-day work week in banks. Unions argue that the current schedule—holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays—burdens workers and the economy. They propose earning back time by adding 40 minutes of work on weekdays while keeping Saturdays off. Since the Republic Day holiday fell on January 26, branches were already closed, and January 27 marked the third consecutive day of disruption. Banks under public sector groups have urged the Central government to ensure that extended shutdowns do not hamper essential services.
For customers, cheques could not be presented or cleared, and cash withdrawals, loan approvals, and other routine services were affected. Traders and powerloom unit owners described hindrances to business and logistics, saying days of lost transactions could hurt cash flow. In Erode city, people waited as banks did not provide a clear timeline for resuming full services. The union members say they are prepared for continued agitation until a formal five-day week arrangement is reached, signaling ongoing tension in the public sector banking space.
