Nationwide bank strike may disrupt services across India on January 27
Bank employee unions have announced a nationwide strike on January 27, 2026, seeking implementation of a five-day work week—raising the potential for widespread disruption to branch services after Republic Day.
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Public sector bank employees across India have announced a nationwide strike scheduled for January 27, 2026, under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The strike aims to demand a formal adoption of a five-day work week, which would make all Saturdays non-working days.
Union leaders say the current schedule, which grants only the second and fourth Saturdays off in addition to Sundays, is outdated and inequitable compared with other government offices and financial institutions that already follow a five-day week. Despite months of conciliation talks with bank management and government representatives, no positive outcome was reached, prompting the strike call.
If carried out, the strike could disrupt essential branch operations—including cash transactions, check clearances, and loan processing—especially since it follows an extended holiday period around Republic Day. Customers are advised to plan accordingly and use digital banking services where possible.
