State Bank of India issued a customer advisory this weekend: the United Forum of Bank Unions has called a nationwide strike from Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 September 2026. Because 26 September is a fourth Saturday and 27 September a Sunday, branch banking could be disrupted for five consecutive days. The Finance Ministry meets bank chiefs on Monday 21st to plan contingencies, and strikes are sometimes called off at the last minute — but plan as if it happens.
What will and won't work
| Service | During the strike |
|---|---|
| UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS via net/mobile banking | Working — these are automated |
| ATMs | Working, but cash replenishment may lag by the third day |
| Debit/credit cards, POS | Working |
| Branch cash deposit / withdrawal | Disrupted at public-sector banks; private banks largely open |
| Cheque clearing (CTS) | Delayed — clearing houses depend on PSB staff |
| Demand drafts, locker access, KYC, account opening | Disrupted at PSBs |
| Loan disbursals, LC/BG issuance, forex | Disrupted at PSBs |
| Government payment gateways (GST, income tax) | Working — net banking/UPI |
Private banks (HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak) and small finance banks are generally not part of UFBU strikes, though some old-generation private banks are.
Do this by Friday 25 September
Payroll
Wages under the Code on Wages must be paid by the 7th of the following month, so September salaries are not legally at risk. But if you pay on the 30th or 1st, initiate NEFT/IMPS batches on Friday or schedule them in net banking. Cash-paid staff: withdraw the wage float before Friday. Compute the roster with the team payroll calculator.
Cheques
Any cheque you deposit on Friday may clear only on 1–2 October. Ask customers who pay by cheque to pay by UPI/NEFT this week instead; send them the payment receipt with a UPI QR for the exact amount. Don't issue post-dated cheques falling due on the 28th–30th; bounced-cheque timelines don't pause for strikes.
Cash float
Retailers: keep two to three days of change and petty cash. ATMs run dry on day two or three of a strike in smaller towns.
Loans and EMIs
Auto-debits (NACH) run as scheduled — ensure balances. If a loan disbursal or LC is pending at a PSB, push for release before the 25th.
GST and tax
No due dates fall in the strike window (GSTR-3B for August was due 20 September; the next is GSTR-1 on 11 October). Advance tax's second instalment was 15 September. Nothing to do — but check the GST calendar if you are on a special schedule.
Government collections
Customs, GST refunds and government payments routed through PSBs may slip a few days.
The week is also holiday-heavy
Several states have regional bank holidays between 21 and 27 September on top of the weekend. Count working days for any deadline with the business days calculator and add your state's holidays.
Why the strike
Unions are pressing long-standing demands — a five-day banking week, adequate recruitment against vacancies, and pension updation. A strike was averted in 2025 after talks; the Ministry's Monday meeting is aimed at the same outcome. Watch SBI's and your bank's advisories on the 22nd–24th.
FAQ
Will UPI work during the bank strike?
Yes. UPI, IMPS and NEFT are automated and unaffected. Only staff-dependent branch services are hit.
Are private banks on strike?
Most new-generation private banks are not part of UFBU. A few old private-sector banks may join. Check your bank's advisory.
Will my salary be delayed?
Only if your employer pays in cash or by cheque through a PSB branch. Electronic salary credits go through.
What if the strike is called off?
Nothing you did above is wasted — earlier salary batches and UPI collection are simply good practice.