Full Breakdown
SBI Issues Advisory Ahead of Proposed UFBU Bank Strike
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
State Bank of India (SBI) has released a customer advisory warning that a three-day nationwide bank strike has been proposed by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) for September 28 – 30, 2026. The bank urges customers to complete any branch-dependent transactions before the strike dates to avoid inconvenience. SBI notes that while essential services such as ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs), and Customer Service Points (CSPs) will remain operational, the extent of branch availability will depend on employee participation.
Background of the UFBU Protest Schedule
The UFBU, an umbrella body representing seven unions and about 90 % of bank officers and employees, previously held a one-day nationwide strike on September 11, 2026. The current proposal for a three-day strike follows that action and is part of a broader programme that also includes a continuous strike slated to begin on October 26, 2026. Because September 26 and the weekend days are a Saturday and Sunday, customers could experience limited branch access for five consecutive days—from the weekend through the strike period.
Customer Guidance and Service Availability
SBI advises customers to use digital channels—Internet banking, the YONO platform, mobile banking, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—for routine transactions such as fund transfers and bill payments. For cash needs, the bank recommends ATMs and ADWMs. Select banking services will continue at CSPs. However, services that require physical documentation, cheque processing, or staff assistance may be delayed if branch operations are disrupted.
Potential Impact on Branch Access
If employee participation is high, regular weekday branch services could be curtailed throughout the strike days. Customers planning to submit documents, obtain new checkbooks, or conduct other in-person banking activities are urged to do so before September 28, 2026. The advisory emphasizes that while digital and automated channels are expected to function normally, any reliance on branch staff should be minimized to mitigate possible service interruptions.