Nationwide Three-Day Bank Strike Planned From September 28

Bank customers face potential disruptions as the United Forum of Bank Unions plans a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The shutdown will likely impact physical bank branches, especially public sector banks, affecting services that need staff assistance and in-person processing. Over-the-counter transactions, cash deposits or withdrawals at counters, and account-related paperwork may face delays or closures due to limited staff. Cheque clearing and processing will also likely face delays because these tasks require physical handling by bank employees. Other branch-dependent services, including issuing demand drafts and accessing bank lockers, could remain unavailable during the three-day period. Major lenders like the State Bank of India and Canara Bank have advised customers to plan ahead and finish essential branch work before the strike begins. Digital banking channels will remain operational to help customers manage routine tasks without visiting a branch. Services such as UPI, internet banking, mobile banking, and ATMs are expected to function normally. The Finance Ministry has directed banks to keep adequate cash supplies ready in ATMs during the strike. The timing of the strike coincides with September 30, which is the half-yearly closing date when banks handle heavy back-office reconciliation and settlement work, potentially adding to operational pressure.