Lucknow | January 27, 2026
Banking services across Uttar Pradesh and several parts of the country were affected today due to a nationwide strike by employees of nationalised and public sector banks. The strike was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to press for the long-pending demand of a five-day work week.
As a result of the strike, normal operations at major public sector banks including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and other government-owned banks were disrupted. In Lucknow, most bank branches remained closed, affecting services such as cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearance, and counter transactions. Ahead of the strike, a press conference was held at the SBI Hazratganj office, where union leaders reiterated their demands and appealed for government intervention.
UFBU leaders stated that the workload on bank employees has increased significantly over the years and argued that, like other government departments, banks should also implement a two-day weekly holiday to ensure better work-life balance. Despite multiple rounds of discussions with the government and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), the demand has not yet been accepted.
The strike caused inconvenience to customers and traders, though ATM services, mobile banking, and internet banking remained largely operational. However, reports of cash shortages were received from some areas.
Meanwhile, the impact on private sector banks remained limited, as most private banks continued to operate normally.
Bank authorities have advised customers to avoid visiting branches and use digital banking channels for essential transactions.
