Public banks to shut on Jan 27 as unions push for five-day work week
Public banks to shut on Jan 27 as unions push for five-day work week
Public sector banks brace for three-day disruption as unions strike for a five-day work week, affecting cash deposits, withdrawals, and cheque clearances.
Public sector banks across the country are bracing for a nationwide strike on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) presses for the immediate implementation of a five-day work week. With banks already closed on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26 (Republic Day), the strike will disrupt branch-level services for three consecutive days. Despite detailed discussions during conciliation, there was no assurance on the demand, prompting the unions to proceed with the action.
AIBEA General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam said the decision comes after no positive outcome from the talks with the Chief Labour Commissioner. AIBOC General Secretary Rupam Roy noted that the wage settlement reached in March 2024 included an agreement to make Saturdays holidays and to extend daily work by 40 minutes from Monday to Friday, but the government’s response has been lacking according to the UFBU members. NCBE General Secretary L. Chandrasekhar added that the movement is not against customers but aims for a sustainable, humane, and efficient banking system; five-day banking is described as an economic and human necessity by the unions.
As a result, services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, and administrative work at public sector bank branches are expected to face delays or disruptions. Banks say customers should plan accordingly, while some services may continue via ATMs and digital channels, though these too could face strain during the strike period. The overarching message from UFBU and its constituents remains: a rested, properly staffed banking workforce is essential for financial stability and better service delivery to the public.
For customers, the immediate impact is likely to be longer wait times and potential backlogs in everyday transactions. Bank branches nationwide are urged to communicate any service changes promptly and to consider alternative channels for essential banking needs until operations normalize after the strike ends.
