Banking services across India face a potential major disruption as employee unions have issued a stern ultimatum to the government. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the apex body representing bank staff, has threatened to launch an all-India strike on January 27, 2026, if their long-pending demand for a 5-Day Banking Week is not implemented immediately.
Chandigarh Demonstration Signals Escalation
As part of a coordinated nationwide agitation, UFBU organized a significant demonstration at Bank Square in Sector 17, Chandigarh. The protest highlighted the growing frustration among bank employees and officers over the government's delay in approving a five-day workweek, despite an agreement being reached with the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) back in March 2024.
Addressing the gathering, union leaders declared the demand as "reasonable and overdue." They warned that if the government continues to withhold approval, the current protests will be intensified, culminating in the massive strike planned for early 2026.
Digital Shift Makes 5-Day Week Feasible, Say Unions
The UFBU strongly argues that the shift to a five-day operational model will not inconvenience the public. They cite the massive digital transformation in the banking sector as the primary reason.
Over 99% of banking transactions are now conducted through digital channels like UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, and ATMs. "Customers already have uninterrupted access to banking services on Saturdays and Sundays through these alternative digital platforms. Hence, a 5-Day Banking Week will in no way affect public convenience," stated UFBU leaders during the Chandigarh protest.
Government Delay Called Discriminatory
The forum pointed out a glaring inconsistency in policy. They noted that Central and state government institutions, along with regulatory bodies including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), already function on a five-day workweek model. This model is widely recognized for promoting productivity, efficiency, and a better work-life balance.
UFBU leaders expressed widespread dissatisfaction, calling the government's continued delay "unjustified and discriminatory." They emphasized that when similar benefits have been granted to other sectors, denying it to bank employees, who have adapted to the digital era, is unfair. The unions have called upon the Government of India to honour the March 2024 agreement with the IBA and implement the decision without further delay.
The ball is now in the government's court. With a firm strike date set for January 27, 2026, the coming months will be crucial for negotiations. The banking sector watches closely to see if a resolution can be found before the threat of a nationwide shutdown becomes a reality.
