The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has decided to proceed with and intensify preparations for the proposed nationwide bank strike on 11th September 2026, stating that there was no positive outcome from the meeting held with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
UFBU said that the meeting was held following the strike notice served on the IBA over various pending demands of bank employees and officers.
No Positive Outcome in Meeting with IBA
During the meeting, IBA Chief Executive A. K. Goel reportedly appealed to UFBU to defer the strike, stating that a strike in the banking sector could disrupt economic activities and banking services. The IBA also indicated that the issues raised by the unions could be addressed through bilateral discussions.
However, UFBU maintained that the issues raised in the strike notice are important and cannot be brushed aside any further.
A major issue highlighted by the unions is the long-pending demand for 5-day banking.
UFBU stated that, based on an assurance from a senior Department of Financial Services (DFS) official that the issue was receiving priority attention at the Government level, the unions had deferred their earlier strike calls scheduled for 24th and 25th March 2025.
According to the unions, however, there has been no further development on the issue since then.
The unions also raised concerns regarding the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. They stated that the issue had been discussed with IBA in September 2025 based on the advice of the Central Labour Commissioner (CLC), and suggestions for modification of the scheme were submitted to DFS.
UFBU alleged that there has been no positive response to its suggestions, while the Government/DFS has directed banks to implement the existing PLI scheme for Scale IV officers and above, despite the matter being pending before the CLC.
Apart from 5-day banking and PLI, UFBU pointed out that several residual and pending issues remain unresolved.
In view of the lack of a definite outcome, UFBU stated that it was not possible to defer the strike call.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has accordingly called upon all its constituent unions and members to go ahead with the programmes and intensify efforts to make the 11th September 2026 strike successful.
The development is significant for the banking sector, particularly as 5-day banking, PLI and other pending employee-related issues continue to remain major demands of bank unions.
