New Delhi, September 21, 2026: State Bank of India (SBI) has advised customers to complete important banking transactions in advance of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30, 2026. The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), and branch operations could be affected depending on employee participation.
The advisory comes after a nationwide bank strike held on September 11 and ahead of further industrial action announced by the bank unions. The UFBU has also announced a continuous strike beginning October 26 as part of its ongoing agitation.
SBI has specifically asked customers to finish transactions and other banking work that require branch visits before September 28. Customers who need documentation, staff assistance or other in-person services have been advised not to wait until the strike period.
The timing of the proposed strike could create additional inconvenience for customers because September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday, immediately before the three-day strike. This could result in limited access to normal branch-based services over five consecutive days for some customers.
At the same time, SBI has said that it is making efforts to maintain essential banking services during the strike period. The bank has encouraged customers to rely on alternative channels wherever possible, particularly for routine transactions that do not require a branch visit.
For cash requirements, customers can use ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs). These facilities can help customers manage withdrawals and other eligible cash-related transactions while physical branch operations may be disrupted.
SBI has also pointed customers towards Customer Service Points (CSPs), which can provide selected banking services outside conventional branch operations. Availability and the range of services may vary by location and transaction type.
Digital banking is expected to play an important role during the proposed strike. Customers can use internet banking, YONO, mobile banking and UPI for routine payments, fund transfers and other eligible digital transactions. SBI has urged customers to make greater use of these channels during the period.
However, customers should distinguish between digital transactions and services that depend on physical branch processing. Activities involving documentation, verification, certain cheque-related processes or direct assistance from branch employees could face delays if branches are affected by the strike.
The proposed strike is being organised by the UFBU, an umbrella forum representing several bank employee and officer unions. Reports on the strike have linked the industrial action to various employee and banking-sector demands. The September 28-30 action follows the earlier September 11 strike.
For customers, the immediate priority is therefore planning. Those expecting to deposit or withdraw significant amounts of cash, submit documents, complete time-sensitive banking paperwork or seek branch-level assistance should consider completing such work before the proposed strike dates.
The SBI advisory does not mean that all banking services will necessarily stop during the strike. The actual impact on branches can depend on employee participation, while ATMs, digital banking channels, UPI and other alternative facilities may continue to provide routine services. Customers should nevertheless complete time-sensitive branch-dependent work early to reduce the risk of delays.
The proposed three-day strike makes early planning particularly important for customers whose banking needs cannot be completed digitally. SBI's advisory is aimed at reducing inconvenience by encouraging customers to complete essential branch-related work ahead of the strike while using digital and alternative channels for routine banking requirements.
