Published Sep 28, 2026 | 9:38 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 28, 2026 | 9:45 AM
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The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has deferred a three-day strike that was planned to begin on Monday, September 28, after talks with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). The decision came after the bank unions reached an understanding with the IBA over demands to declare a five-day working week for banks.
The meeting between the IBA and UFBU, which represents several banking unions, happened on the night of September 28. After the meeting concluded late at night, the UFBU issued a statement announcing the deferment of the protests.
“After due deliberations, it was decided that a high-level committee of IBA and UFBU will be formed immediately to deliberate on the issue of declaring the remaining Saturdays as holidays. This committee will explore all possible alternatives, discuss with all stakeholders, and work out a solution acceptable to all stakeholders and, more importantly, the customers,” the UFBU said in a joint statement of seven unions.
The statement also mentioned the issue of withdrawal of the performance-linked incentive scheme for senior (Scale IV and above) bank officers. The UFBU said discussions on the issue could start after the IBA addresses the unions’ concerns and proposes amendments to the scheme to the government.
After the UFBU statement, banks announced that they would remain open on Monday and function normally.
— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) September 27, 2026
In view of the strikes, public-sector banks and regional rural banks had announced that they would function on September 27, a Sunday. They had asked customers to complete important transactions before September 28.
The protest was planned from September 28 to 30, with the banking unions raising several key demands, including a five-day work week. Bank staff currently get leave only on the second and fourth Saturdays.
The banking employees’ union has also demanded the scrapping of the existing Performance Linked Incentive scheme, saying it favoured the senior officers and slamming it as “discriminatory.”
A one-day nationwide strike was held on September 11 over these demands.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
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