The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) declared a statewide strike on January 27 and demanded the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek. As a result, operations at all public sector banks, including the State Bank of India, are expected to be disrupted on Tuesday.
The strike was called for on January 23 by UFBU, an umbrella organisation made up of nine main Indian bank unions that represent officials and staff in public sector banks as well as some older private institutions, as HT previously reported.
Private banks like ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, and others are anticipated to continue operating normally despite the strike, whereas public sector banking activities would be severely impacted today.

What was stated by SBI?
The State Bank of India issued a circular on January 23 following UFBU's announcement of the strike, stating that bank operations may be disrupted even though the bank has made the required preparations to guarantee smooth operation on the day of the strike.
In its circular, SBI stated, "In this regard, we advise that while the Bank has made the necessary arrangements to ensure normal functioning in its branches and offices on the day of strike, it is likely that work in the Bank may be impacted by the Strike."
Public sector banks would close for the third consecutive day following closures on Sunday, January 25, and Monday in observance of Republic Day if the strike goes as planned by the UFBU.The strike
A worldwide bank strike from midnight on January 26 to midnight on January 27, 2026, was called for by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
After its discussions with the top labour commissioner last week yielded no results, the organisation put its long-standing demand for a five-day workweek for bank employees on the table.
At the moment, Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of every month are off days for bank staff.
The UFBU originally demanded bank holidays every Saturday during a wave revision settlement in March 2024.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), General Insurance Corporation (GIC), stock exchanges (such as the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange), and other government offices all benefit from a five-day workweek, whereas banks are the only ones that don't.
UFBU had previously expressed regret over the government's failure to address its "genuine demand."