India Bank Strike 2026: Dates, Impacted Services, and Latest News

A nationwide bank strike is currently underway today, January 27, 2026, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to press their demand for a five-day work week. This strike follows a series of holidays, potentially leading to three consecutive days of limited physical banking services. 

Which Banks are Participating in the Jan 27 Strike?

The strike is primarily affecting public sector banks across India, including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank. Private sector banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank are expected to operate normally.

Impact on ATM Services and Digital Banking

Services that require a physical branch visit, like cash transactions and cheque clearances, are likely to be disrupted. However, digital services like UPI, mobile banking, and internet banking should function as usual. ATM cash availability might be affected in some areas due to delays in refilling. 

Why are Bank Unions on Strike in 2026?

The main reason for the strike, organized by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), is the demand for a five-day work week in the banking sector. The unions state that this was agreed upon during the March 2024 wage revision with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), but is still awaiting government approval. They argue for a schedule similar to that of the RBI, stock exchanges, and government offices. To make up for the shorter week, bank employees have proposed extending daily working hours by 40 minutes from Monday to Friday. 

Customers needing to perform urgent transactions today are advised to utilize digital banking platforms.