Why Are Banks Closed Today? Nationwide Bank Strike Today Disrupts Services Across India
If you stepped out today to visit a bank branch and found shutters down, empty counters, or notices pasted on glass doors, you are not alone. Across India, customers are asking the same question: Why Are Banks Closed Today?
The answer lies in a nationwide bank strike today, called by powerful bank employee unions after months of stalled negotiations. What may look like a routine closure is actually part of a much larger movement demanding structural reform in India’s banking work culture.
This in-depth guide explains why banks are closed today, which banks are affected, what services are disrupted, what customers can still access, and what may happen next.
Table of Contents:
Why Are Banks Closed Today?
Banks across India are shut or partially non-functional due to a nationwide bank strike today observed by employees of public sector banks and some old-generation private banks.
The strike has been called to protest the delay in implementing a five-day workweek, a demand that bank unions say was already agreed upon during wage revision talks but has not yet been officially notified by the government.
This action has effectively extended an already long holiday stretch, disrupting branch-level banking for millions of customers.
What Is the Nationwide Bank Strike Today?
The bank strike today is a one-day nationwide protest organised by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body representing officers and employees from nine major banking unions.
The strike affects:
- Public sector banks
- Some old private banks where unions are active
The objective is to pressurise authorities to implement long-pending reforms related to working hours and employee welfare.
Key Reason Behind the Bank Strike:
At the heart of the disruption is one central demand:
👉 Implementation of a Five-Day Workweek in Banks
Currently:
- Banks are closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays
- Banks are open on 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays
Unions argue this effectively keeps employees on a six-day work schedule for most of the year.
During wage talks in March 2024, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) reportedly agreed to make all Saturdays holidays, but the decision still awaits formal government notification.
Who Called the Strike?
The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which includes:
- All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA)
- All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC)
- National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE)
- Other affiliated unions
Together, these unions represent over 8 lakh bank employees across India.
Timeline: How Talks Broke Down?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2024 | IBA and UFBU agree in principle to five-day banking |
| 2024–2025 | No formal notification issued |
| January 21–22, 2026 | Conciliation meetings held |
| January 23, 2026 | Talks fail without assurance |
| January 27, 2026 | Nationwide bank strike today |
Union leaders stated that despite multiple discussions, there was no concrete commitment, forcing them to go ahead with the strike.
Which Banks Are Closed Today?
Due to the bank strike today, services are disrupted at most public sector banks, including:
| Public Sector Banks Affected |
|---|
| State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Punjab National Bank (PNB) |
| Bank of Baroda (BoB) |
| Bank of India |
| Union Bank of India |
| Canara Bank |
Most branches of these banks are either closed or minimally staffed.
Which Banks Are Functioning Normally?
Large private sector banks are largely unaffected, as their employees are not part of the UFBU.
| Banks Likely to Function Normally |
|---|
| HDFC Bank |
| ICICI Bank |
| Axis Bank |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| IDFC First Bank |
Customers of these banks may still experience normal branch operations.
Services Affected by the Bank Strike Today:
The nationwide bank strike today mainly impacts services that require physical presence.
Disrupted Services:
- Cash deposits and withdrawals at branches
- Cheque clearing and processing
- Passbook updates
- KYC updates
- Loan documentation
- Account opening and branch inquiries
Small businesses and senior citizens relying on branch banking are among the worst affected.
Services That Remain Available:
Despite the strike, digital infrastructure continues to function.
Available Services:
- ATMs and ADWMs (subject to cash availability)
- UPI payments
- Mobile banking apps
- Internet banking
- Card payments
However, ATM cash replenishment may face localised delays.
Comparison: Public vs Private Banks During the Strike
| Feature | Public Sector Banks | Private Banks |
|---|---|---|
| Strike Impact | High | Minimal |
| Branch Services | Mostly disrupted | Mostly normal |
| Digital Services | Working | Working |
| Union Participation | Yes | No |
Impact on Customers and Businesses:
The bank strike today has led to:
- Delayed salary credits for some organisations
- Slower cheque clearances
- Cash flow challenges for MSMEs
- Increased reliance on digital payments
For many customers, the disruption follows a long holiday weekend, compounding inconvenience.
Why the Five-Day Workweek Matters?
Bank unions argue that a five-day workweek will:
- Improve employee well-being
- Reduce burnout and errors
- Increase productivity
- Align banks with RBI and corporate offices
Employees have even agreed to work 40 extra minutes per weekday to offset Saturdays, ensuring no loss of man-hours.
Government and IBA’s Position:
While the Indian Banks’ Association acknowledged the agreement, implementation requires:
- Government approval
- Official notification
- Operational adjustments across banks
So far, no firm deadline has been announced, leading to repeated union protests.
What Happens After the Strike?
Possible next steps include:
- Renewed talks between unions and the government
- Partial implementation or phased rollout
- Further strike actions if demands remain unmet
Unions have signalled that this may not be the last protest if delays continue.
Sheikh Hasina Delhi Address Leaves Bangladesh Shocked: Political Fallout and Regional Implications
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A):
Q1. Why Are Banks Closed Today?
Banks are closed due to a nationwide bank strike today called by bank unions demanding a five-day workweek.
Q2. Is today a bank holiday?
No, it is not an official holiday. The closure is due to the strike.
Q3. Are ATMs working during the bank strike today?
Yes, ATMs are working, though some may face cash shortages.
Q4. Are private banks affected?
Most private banks are functioning normally.
Q5. Will cheque clearance be delayed?
Yes, cheque clearing may be delayed at public sector banks.
Key Takeaways:
- Why Are Banks Closed Today? Because of a nationwide bank strike today.
- The strike is driven by demands for a five-day workweek.
- Public sector banks are most affected.
- Digital banking services remain operational.
- Further disruptions are possible if talks fail again.
Conclusion:
The bank strike today is not just about a day off—it reflects a deeper debate on work culture, efficiency, and employee welfare in India’s banking system. While customers face short-term inconvenience, the outcome of this standoff could shape how Indian banks operate for decades to come.
If you rely on branch banking, plan transactions carefully—and keep an eye on official bank updates in the
About the Author
