Banks will remain closed for three days beginning from September 28. However, with the strike commencing on the Monday following the weekend, there are concerns that salary credits and other digital transactions may be impacted. Here’s what you need to know about salary credits on strike days, UPI, ATM, and cheque services.
Bank Strike 2026 Dates
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced a nationwide three-day strike on September 28, 29 and 30. The strike is called to demand a five-day banking week.
Since September 26 is a Saturday and September 27 is a Sunday, the government has allowed public sector banks and regional rural banks to remain open on the weekdays to compensate for the lost working days due to the strike.
Will Salary Be Credited Prior to the Strike?
The Central Government has advised advance salary credit, wages and pension payment to its employees and pensioners on September 25.
However, it must be noted that this directive applies only to salaries paid by the government. For private sector employees, it will depend on their respective employers and the banks where they receive their salaries.
As such, if the employer initiates the salary credit before the strike, then it will be unaffected. Else, it is possible that salaries may get delayed due to the strike.
Will UPI and Banking Transactions Continue to Function?
UPI, internet and mobile banking are all expected to function normally during the strike period. Similarly, customers can also expect to make all regular digital transactions without any hindrance.
However, transactions which require physical verification or clearance at a bank branch may get delayed.
Will ATMs Remain Open During the Strike?
ATMs will continue to function and dispense cash to customers. The availability of cash in some ATMs may fluctuate as it will depend on how frequently they are reloaded.
Customers can consider withdrawing cash at ATMs prior to the strike if they have any pressing needs.
Will Cheques Clearing and Collection Be Disrupted?
Cheque clearings and collections are likely to get delayed as the process involves clearing at a bank branch. Customers with any urgent cheque payments or deposits are advised to do so before September 28.
While most digital banking transactions are likely to continue as normal, physical branches may remain shut through the weekend and into the next week. As such, customers must take care of any banking tasks which require a bank branch, cheque collections and deposits or cash withdrawals.
