The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) launched a nationwide strike on Jan 24, shutting Public Sector Bank (PSB) branches across India. Nine unions representing officers and employees coordinated the action after conciliation talks on Jan 23 failed to resolve disputes.
The strike demand centers on a single issue: a 5-day work week, matching the schedule already offered by private sector banks. UFBU has escalated pressure on lenders including SBI, PNB, and Bank of Baroda to standardize working conditions.
Cash deposits, withdrawals, and cheque clearances are halted at PSB branches during the strike. Administrative services have ground to a stop, disrupting routine banking operations for millions of customers who rely on counter services.
Digital channels—UPI, internet banking, and mobile apps—continue uninterrupted. ATMs remain accessible, though cash availability may fluctuate depending on pre-strike stockpiles and emergency resupply efforts by lenders.
Private sector banks (HDFC, ICICI, Axis) are operating normally and are unaffected by the PSB strike. This creates a three-day window during which retail and commercial customers may shift transactions to private bank channels.
The closure spans Jan 24–26, compounding disruption caused by Republic Day holidays on Jan 25–26. Borrowers, lenders, and intermediaries relying on physical banking infrastructure face extended service gaps.
