The need for five-day banking hasn't been met in over two years. In January 2026, bank workers staged a one-day walkout in support of the demand, but no decision was made about the introduction of five-day banking.
In its circular dated 4 August 2026, UFBU said that after the successful strike on 27 January 2026, bank employees and officers were expecting a positive response from the Government on the 5-day banking demand.
According to UFBU, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) had agreed to 5-day banking in the MOU as well as the Settlement/Joint Note, and the matter was recommended to the Government. However, a final decision is still awaited.
According to UFBU, the government has requested that banks begin preparing for the upcoming wage adjustment settlement, which is scheduled for November 2027. The unions, however, stated that a decision on the outstanding matter of implementing five-day banking had yet to be made. As a result, the unions have made the decision to bring up the issue once more and ask the government for an early ruling.
On August 12, 2026, after business hours, UFBU has agreed to hold coordinated protests in all state capitals as well as other significant towns and locations. It has been requested that all bank employees and member unions fully participate in the program. According to UFBU, the unions will convene soon to choose their next line of action, which may include going on strike.However, no new strike date has been announced yet.
The circular has been signed by leaders of AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBOC and INBEF.
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