Centre Plans Ahead of 3-Day Bank Strike: Salaries to Be Credited Early, Banks to Open on Sunday

A three-day nationwide bank strike scheduled for September 28 to 30 could disrupt banking services across the country, particularly as it comes immediately after the weekend and around the half-yearly closing period of banks. To reduce the impact on employees and customers, the Centre has put several arrangements in place, according to a PTI report.

Central government employees are set to receive their September salaries in advance on September 25, while banks, including Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), have been directed to remain operational on Sunday, September 27. The measures are aimed at ensuring that essential payments and banking transactions can be completed before the strike begins.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called the nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The organisation claims to represent around 90 per cent of the banking workforce. Among its key demands are the implementation of a five-day working week and uniform pension-related provisions across the banking sector.

The Finance Ministry has advised ministries and government departments to release September salaries, wages and pensions to central government employees ahead of the usual schedule. An office memorandum issued by the Controller General of Accounts allows salaries and wages to be drawn and paid on Friday, September 25, instead of the regular payment date.

The arrangement will cover central government employees, including personnel working in Defence, Posts and Telecommunications. September pensions for central government pensioners can also be released on the same date. The early payment will be treated as an advance, with any adjustment required after the final monthly amount is determined to be made from the October 2026 payment. Government departments have also been advised to process payments and other banking transactions due towards the end of September in advance wherever possible. This is intended to reduce the number of transactions that could be affected during the strike period.

Banks have also been asked to open their branches on Sunday, September 27. The decision gives customers an additional opportunity to complete branch-related work before the three-day strike begins. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, ATM-linked branches, offices and currency chests on that Sunday.

The Finance Ministry said the special arrangement was necessary as September 26 and 27 are weekend holidays, followed immediately by the strike from September 28. With the strike also coinciding with the end of the half-yearly period for banks, customers have been advised not to postpone important banking work until the last moment.

Banks are encouraging customers to use digital banking services for routine transactions during this period. Mobile banking, internet banking and UPI can be used for many services, while ATMs and Business Correspondent points may also remain useful for eligible transactions. Banks have also been asked to maintain adequate cash availability at ATMs during the strike. For customers who need to visit a branch, Sunday, September 27, could provide an additional window to complete essential banking work before the nationwide strike starts.