Bank strike hits public sector lenders on January 27; branch services disrupted, digital channels largely unaffected
A nationwide one-day strike by public sector bank employees has disrupted branch operations across India on Tuesday, January 27, with unions pressing for a five-day work week and all Saturdays as holidays. Private banks are expected to function normally, while customers are advised to rely on digital services for urgent needs.
What is happening today
Banking services at many public sector banks are facing disruption on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after employee unions went ahead with a nationwide strike. The walkout follows two consecutive holidays, raising the likelihood of a multi-day stretch in which routine branch work remains limited for many customers.
The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), a grouping of nine unions that represent officers and staff across public sector banks. The unions decided to proceed after a conciliation meeting held on January 23 did not resolve their demands.
Key demand: five-day week and Saturday holidays
Under the current schedule, banks generally work on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of a month, while the second and fourth Saturdays are holidays.
Which banks and services may be affected
While January 27 is not an official bank holiday, branch operations at public sector lenders may see reduced staffing and slower turnaround for in-person services. State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Union Bank, Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda are among lenders expected to see impact where staff participation is high.
- Likely disruptions: cash deposits and withdrawals at branches, cheque clearing workflows, and routine counter services
- Possible local issues: ATM cash replenishment delays in some areas due to branch-level disruption
- Expected to work: UPI, mobile banking apps, internet banking and other digital channels in most cases
What customers can do
Customers with urgent branch-dependent transactions are being advised to check with their local branch for service availability. For most day-to-day needs, digital options such as UPI and online banking are expected to remain available during the strike period.