Public banks open Sunday as UFBU strike looms

A quiet bustle greeted customers at public sector banks on Sunday, September 27, as the government prepared to shield services ahead of a UFBU led strike. The Finance Ministry announced that all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks would function normally, a move meant to cover the weekend holidays that precede the three day strike set for September 28 to 30, 2026^1,6,8.

The Reserve Bank of India gave its nod for all branches, ATM linked branches and currency chests to stay fully operational on that day, allowing cash, deposits and routine transactions to continue despite the looming disruption^1,5,8. This prestrike opening was part of contingency plans discussed with the Indian Banks’ Association, DFS and bank managements to safeguard the public’s banking needs, while unions were urged to defer the action^1,11,25.

Ahead of the strike, banks asked customers to complete urgent work early and pivot to digital channels where possible, with many issuing advisories on operations and cash availability through ATMs and online services^9,19,24. The broader context shows UFBU’s main demands a five day banking week and the withdrawal of the PLI scheme, a dispute that has repeatedly led to walkouts and conciliation talks across New Delhi and state capitals^3,10,21,25.

As the dates approach, discussions continue at various levels to resolve the dispute, while the public awaits the next official update on whether the strike will proceed^25,27. In practical terms, bank lobbies and customer care desks stayed partially staffed, notices were visible outside branches outlining “business as usual” assurances, and bank employees prepared to manage peak weekend traffic while monitoring any late changes from union leaders or government officials, making the atmosphere a quiet blend of cautious optimism and watchful oversight across the country’s financial network.