Today is Bank Strike or Not?
Yes, today (27 January 2026) is a bank strike day, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) as a one‑day nationwide protest.
The strike mainly targets physical branch operations in public sector banks, so customers walking into PSU branches may find counters closed, staff absent, or services moving painfully slow.
Because this comes right after Sunday and Republic Day, many people are experiencing a three‑day stretch of disturbed banking, which feels extra frustrating if there was a cheque to clear or a loan EMI to sort out.
SBI shared on Update on X:
Bank of Baroda shared on Update on X:
Why Today Bank Strike?
The strike today is primarily to push for a uniform five‑day work week in banks, with all Saturdays declared holidays. Bank unions say the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has already recommended a five‑day week, but government approval has been pending for nearly two years despite repeated assurances.
Unions argue that other key financial institutions like RBI, LIC, and many government offices already follow a Monday–Friday pattern, and bank employees are simply asking for parity while agreeing to work slightly longer hours on working days.
After conciliation meetings with the Chief Labour Commissioner failed to break the deadlock, UFBU moved ahead with this one‑day nationwide strike to increase pressure.
Which Bank Strike Today?
Today’s strike call covers a wide range of public sector and some other banks whose employees are part of UFBU’s nine member unions.
Banks widely reported as affected include:
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State Bank of India (SBI)
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Punjab National Bank (PNB)
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Bank of Baroda
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Bank of India
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Union Bank of India
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Canara Bank and other government‑owned PSBs
Many of these banks have already sent SMS, emails, or app notifications asking customers to expect disruption in branch services today.
Which Banks Will Not Be Affected?
Most large private sector banks are operating as usual today, since their employees are generally not part of the unions leading this strike.
Banks expected to work normally include HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank and similar private lenders, so branch visits there should feel like a regular weekday for most customers.
Foreign banks and newer private banks, where UFBU presence is limited, are also largely outside the core strike activity, though a few localized disruptions are always possible.
Canara Bank Strike Today
Yes, Canara Bank branches are among those likely to be hit by today’s strike As a public sector bank, Canara Bank falls under the category where UFBU unions are active, so customers can expect issues with over‑the‑counter cash deposits, withdrawals, passbook updates, and cheque‑related work at many branches.
Net banking and mobile banking channels, however, are expected to run normally, so basic transfers and online payments should go through for most users.
ICICI Bank Strike Today
No, ICICI Bank is not participating in today’s strike in any major way, and its operations are expected to remain normal.
ICICI branches, ATMs, and digital channels are functioning, so customers can visit branches or use services like internet banking and UPI without strike‑related restrictions, though occasional ATM cash refilling delays can’t be fully ruled out.
HDFC Bank Strike Today
HDFC Bank is also not significantly affected by the UFBU‑led strike today. Branches are open, and standard services like cash deposits, withdrawals, and account queries are being handled, while digital channels such as UPI, internet banking and mobile apps continue to work as usual.
Which Services Will Be Impacted and Which Will Not?
Branch‑based services at public sector banks are bearing the brunt, while digital channels remain the safest fallback.
Services likely to be impacted at many PSB branches:
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Cash deposits and withdrawals at counters
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Cheque deposits, clearances, and related back‑office processing
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Demand drafts, pay orders, and some loan‑related paperwork
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In‑branch customer service and administrative work
Services expected to work normally across most banks:
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UPI payments and QR‑code transactions
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Internet banking and mobile banking apps
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Card payments at POS and online merchants
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Most ATM withdrawals (with a caveat: some machines may face delayed cash refills in heavily affected areas)
For anyone with urgent work loan disbursement, high‑value cheques, account closure, or KYC updates, banks and financial platforms strongly advise checking branch‑specific updates before visiting and using digital modes wherever possible to avoid getting stuck in front of a shuttered gate.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information on today’s bank strike and should not be treated as official banking or legal advice. Strike participation, timings, and services can vary by bank and location. Always verify the latest status with your bank’s official website, app, or customer care before visiting a branch.
