Bank customers will get an additional opportunity to complete branch-related work before the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30, 2026. The government has announced that all public sector banks and regional rural banks will operate normally on Sunday, September 27.
The decision has been taken because September 26 is the fourth Saturday, which is a regular bank holiday, while September 27 would normally be a Sunday holiday. With the three-day strike scheduled immediately afterwards, customers could otherwise face a prolonged interruption in branch banking services.
Banks to Remain Open on September 27
The Finance Ministry has said that public sector banks and regional rural banks will function normally on Sunday, September 27. The Reserve Bank of India has also approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on that day.
Customers who have important branch-related work can therefore use September 27 as an additional banking day. However, customers should check the latest communication from their individual bank before visiting a branch, particularly if they require a specific service.
September 26, meanwhile, falls on the fourth Saturday and remains a regular holiday for public sector banks under the existing arrangement.
Why Are Bank Employees Going on Strike?
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The main outstanding demand is the implementation of a five-day banking workweek.
Bank unions had already observed a one-day strike on September 11, 2026. According to the Finance Ministry, an indefinite strike has also been proposed from October 26 over the five-day workweek demand.
The government and bank management have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike. However, the September 28–30 strike remains scheduled at present.
What Is the Five-Day Banking Week Demand?
At present, public sector bank employees have holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, while the other Saturdays remain working days. This arrangement was introduced in 2015.
Bank employee unions are seeking a five-day working week, under which Saturdays would also become holidays and banking operations would generally be limited to Monday through Friday.
Customers should therefore plan branch visits around the September 26 holiday, the special Sunday opening on September 27 and the proposed strike from September 28 to 30.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on information available at the time of publication. Bank operations and strike-related arrangements may change following decisions by banks, employee unions or the authorities. Customers should check the latest communication from their bank before visiting a branch or planning an important banking transaction.