- Hindi News
- Business
- Bank Strike Jan 27: Employees Demand 5 Day Working | Govt Banks Affected
New Delhi32 minutes ago
- copy link
Employees of all public sector banks in the country will be on strike tomorrow. According to PTI, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced a nationwide strike on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The union is demanding 5-day working for the employees.
After the holidays of Sunday (January 25) and Republic Day (January 26), this will be the third consecutive day when the functioning of public sector banks will be affected. However, work in private banks will continue as normal. Private banks are not part of UFBU.
Why are the employees on strike?
The main bone of contention between bank unions and the government is Saturday holiday. Bank employees have been demanding the implementation of ‘5-day work week’ (only 5 days of work in a week) for a long time. It was agreed to declare all Saturdays as a holiday during the 12th bilateral agreement between the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and the unions in March 2024.
But despite the agreement, its official notification has not been issued yet. The unions’ argument for 5-day working is that we are asking for a balanced methodology. We are willing to work an extra 40 minutes every day in return.
At present banks remain closed only on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. The union wants the government to issue its official notification immediately.
What effect will the strike have on the common man?
- Branch work may come to a halt: If you have to go to the bank to deposit cash, get a new check book or get your KYC updated, then you may face problems in doing these things tomorrow.
- Delay in check clearance: Check clearing machines and processes often run through public sector banks. Due to the strike, there may be a delay of 2-3 days in check clearing, due to which your payment may get stuck.
- Cash shortage in ATM: If the bank remains closed for 3 consecutive days, the possibility of running out of cash in the ATM increases. Especially in small towns and residential areas, ATMs may be found empty tomorrow.
- Loans and government work: If you have any loan to be approved or you need an NOC from the bank, then you will now have to wait till Wednesday or Thursday.
Which services will remain operational?
- UPI and digital payment: Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and BHIM UPI will work fully. You will be able to make payments at shops and online shopping easily.
- Internet and Mobile Banking: You will be able to transfer money (IMPS/NEFT/RTGS) from your mobile app or computer. Tasks like checking balance or bill payment will continue.
- Private Bank: Big private banks like HDFC, ICICI, and Axis will remain open. All the work of their customers will continue as normal.
- ATM: Technically ATMs are not shut down. If cash is available in the ATM, you will be able to withdraw money from the card.
Source link
[ad_3]
