Bank Strike September 28-30: Why Banks Will Open on Sunday, September 27

All Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) will remain open on Sunday, September 27, ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, the Finance Ministry said on Wednesday.

The Sunday opening has been announced to ensure banking services remain available before the proposed strike, which follows weekend holidays on September 26 and 27 and coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks on September 30.

The Reserve Bank of India has approved all bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests to remain fully operational on September 27, according to the ministry.

The UFBU, which claims to represent around 90 per cent of the banking workforce, has called the proposed strike primarily seeking a five-day banking week. Its other demands include an update and improvement of pensions, a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners, and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) to switch to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

The government and bank managements have appealed to unions to defer the proposed strike. They have also taken measures to ensure that essential banking services continue if the strike takes place.

Several public sector banks have issued advisories asking customers to use digital banking channels, including mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, Business Correspondent (BC) Points and UPI, for their banking requirements.

Banks have also advised customers to complete essential transactions in advance of the proposed strike dates.

The proposed strike period includes September 30, which marks the half-yearly closing of banks. The date is significant for reconciliation, provisioning, and treasury and market operations.

The Finance Ministry said the Sunday opening is intended to prevent banking service requirements of the public from being affected for an extended period. The RBI approval covers branches and other specified banking infrastructure across the country.