Banks advise customers to complete essential transactions ahead of 3-day strike from September 28

Public sector banks have advised customers to complete essential banking transactions before a three-day strike starting September 28, as announced by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The strike, which could coincide with the banking sector's half-yearly closing, seeks a five-day banking week and other demands from bank employees.

Government instruction to public sector banks is for them to remain open on Sunday, September 27, before the strike. State Bank of India (SBI) notified customers to finish necessary transactions before the strike to prevent any inconvenience. Bank of India and Karnataka Bank also requested customers to rely on 24X7 digital channels like mobile, internet, ATM, and digital payment options during the strike.

New-generation private banks like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and IndusInd Bank will continue their regular operations. Finance Ministry previously urged bank employees to resolve their concerns through dialogue, while UFBU's other demands include updating pensions, a uniform dearness allowance formula, and an option for NPS employees to switch to the old pension scheme.