Public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain operational on Sunday, September 27, 2026, ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike scheduled from September 28 to 30. The decision has been taken to reduce inconvenience for customers as the strike coincides with the weekend and the half-yearly closing of banks.
The banking sector is expected to see disruptions next week as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a three-day strike over several employee-related demands, with the implementation of a five-day banking week among the key issues.
Why will banks open on Sunday?
Normally, Sunday is a weekly holiday for bank branches. However, public sector banks and regional rural banks have been directed to function normally on September 27 so customers can complete important transactions before the proposed strike begins.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on the Sunday. The move is aimed at ensuring that customers are not left without access to essential branch-based banking services for an extended period.
The decision is particularly significant because September 26 and 27 fall on the weekend, while the proposed strike is scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30. Without the special Sunday opening, customers could have faced a prolonged interruption in physical banking services.
Three-day bank strike from September 28 to 30
The UFBU has announced the nationwide strike for three consecutive days beginning Monday, September 28. The unions have said the action is intended to press for several demands concerning working conditions, pensions and employee benefits.
The most prominent demand is the introduction of a five-day working week for bank employees. Under the existing arrangement, bank branches generally remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, while other Saturdays are working days.
The unions are also seeking improvements in pension-related benefits, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System to move to the old pension scheme.
The proposed strike follows a one-day nationwide bank strike held earlier in September.
What banking services could be affected?
The biggest impact of the strike is expected to be on physical branch operations, particularly in the public sector banking network. Customers requiring services that need direct interaction with bank employees may face delays during the strike period.
Services such as cash-related branch transactions, cheque processing, account-related work, documentation and other activities requiring branch staff could be affected depending on the participation of employees.
Digital banking facilities are expected to provide an alternative for several routine transactions. Customers can generally use services such as internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and ATMs for eligible transactions. However, services that depend on branch employees or physical processing may not be completed immediately during the strike.
September 30 adds to the significance
The strike is scheduled to continue through September 30, which is also the half-yearly closing date for banks. The timing could add pressure to banking operations because financial institutions typically handle additional accounting, settlement and reporting-related work around the end of a half-year.
Banks have therefore advised customers with urgent requirements to plan their transactions in advance rather than waiting until the strike begins.
Customers advised to plan transactions
Customers who need branch-based banking services have been encouraged to complete important work before the strike period. This includes transactions or documentation that cannot easily be completed through digital channels.
The special opening on Sunday provides customers with an additional opportunity to visit eligible public sector and regional rural bank branches before the three-day strike.
While the government and bank managements have appealed for the proposed strike to be deferred, preparations are being made to minimise disruption if the industrial action goes ahead.
For customers, the key dates are September 27, when public sector and regional rural banks are scheduled to open, followed by the proposed strike from September 28 to 30.
Key dates for bank customers
- September 26: Weekend holiday.
- September 27: Public sector banks and regional rural banks to operate normally.
- September 28: First day of the proposed nationwide bank strike.
- September 29: Second day of the proposed strike.
- September 30: Third day of the strike and half-yearly bank closing date.
Customers with urgent branch-related work should therefore avoid postponing transactions until the strike begins. Digital banking channels may continue to support routine payments and transfers, but availability can vary by service and bank.
The special Sunday opening is intended to provide customers with an opportunity to complete essential banking work before the proposed industrial action and minimise the impact of a potentially extended interruption in branch services.