Bank unions defer 3-day nationwide strike following assurance from IBA

Bank unions on Sunday deferred their three-day nationwide strike following assurance from the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) on their demands, including a five-day work week. The strike call beginning Monday was given by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which coincides with half-yearly closing. With the postponement of the strike, banks would function on Monday. "A high-level committee of the IBA and UFBU will be formed immediately to deliberate on the issue of declaring the remaining Saturdays as holidays. This committee will explore all possible alternatives, discuss with all the stakeholders, and work out a solution acceptable to all the stakeholders, more importantly, the customers," the UFBU said in a statement.

Bank strike deferred after the meeting between the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) tonight. pic.twitter.com/SPJUwp63p2

— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2026

As regards the PLI scheme for Scale IV and above officers, the discussions can start with the IBA to propose modifications in the scheme to the government to address the observations of the unions/associations, it said. The residual issues as listed in the minutes dated March 8, 2024, will be discussed between the parties for expeditious resolution, it said. In view of the above, it was agreed by the UFBU that the proposed agitational programmes and strike actions will be deferred, it added.Around 8 lakh bank officers and employees were expected to take part in the three-day strike, which was set to affect over 1.81 lakh bank branches across the country. With the strike looming, banks and customers had already begun preparing for the disruption. All public sector and regional rural banks stayed open on Sunday, September 27, so customers could finish essential branch work before the strike began.