Finance Ministry Appeals to Public Sector Bank Employees to Call Off Planned 3-Day Strike Over 5-Day Workweek

The Union Ministry of Finance on September 21, 2026, issued an official appeal to employees of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to call off their proposed nationwide strike scheduled for September 28 to 30. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body representing major bank employee associations, has called for the three-day strike and threatened an indefinite shutdown from October 26 if their primary demand for a five-day workweek is not implemented. In its press communication, the ministry highlighted that public sector banks have achieved significant operational stability and financial strength due to structural reforms and employee efforts. The government noted that it had already demonstrated goodwill by keeping the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in abeyance, thereby resolving one of the main grievances raised by the unions. Officials emphasized that the demand for a five-day workweek remains under active administrative examination. Highlighting the potential impact on economic activity, the ministry pointed out that a three-day strike starting right before a month-end could result in a five-day interruption in banking services when combined with weekend closures. This would severely disrupt customer transactions, treasury operations, and commercial clearances. The government reaffirmed its commitment to workforce welfare and urged bank unions to resolve outstanding issues through constructive dialogue.