Jammu (27 January 2026):The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) today successfully observed a nationwide strike and demonstrations on 27 January 2026 as part of the ongoing, countrywide agitational programme demanding the immediate implementation of a 5-day work week in the banking industry.
As a result of the strike call, banking operations across the country remained closed, reflecting the overwhelming response and unity of bank employees and officers. Large-scale demonstrations were held at all major centres, where employees participated in substantial numbers, voicing their collective demand for work-life balance, humane working conditions, and adherence to settled agreements.
AIBOC Leaders Rajesh Mehta and Vishal Verma said that the demand for a 5-day work week is long-pending and legitimate, and has been agreed in principle between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and UFBU during wage revision discussions in March 2024. The necessary government approval and formal notification have been inordinately delayed. This prolonged inaction has compelled bank employees to intensify democratic and constitutional forms of protest. In past three strike calls were deferred on assurances but this time they were forced to resort to strike.
They said that the Bank employees today face unprecedented workload pressures, extended working hours, and frequent deployment on holidays and weekends, even as banking has rapidly transitioned to digital platforms. With the majority of routine transactions now conducted online, the continued insistence on a six-day work week is untenable, outdated, and detrimental to employee well-being.
Across the country, employees and officers from public sector banks, many private sector banks, and regional rural banks stood united under the UFBU banner.
Placards, speeches, and memoranda submitted during the demonstrations reiterated that bank employees are not opposing service to the public, but are seeking fair, sustainable, and humane working conditions that ultimately strengthen the banking system.
UFBU emphasized that the strike was peaceful, disciplined, and entirely within the constitutional framework. The responsibility for disruption of banking services lies squarely with the continued delay in decision-making, despite repeated representations, discussions, and assurances.
UFBU leaders appealed to the Government of India to approve, implement, and notify the 5-day work week in banks without further delay.
UFBU reaffirmed its resolve to continue the agitational programme until justice is delivered. The unity, discipline, and massive participation witnessed today send a clear and unequivocal message that bank employees across the country are determined to secure their rightful demand.