Why Delay in 5-Day Banking Triggers UFBU Agitation and Strike

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has issued a circular announcing a nationwide agitation programme and a proposed all-India strike in January 2026, following delays in the government’s approval of 5-day banking. The union stated that the demand has been pending despite recommendations made by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

Image: UFBU rolls out nationwide agitation plan as delay continues on implementing 5 day banking.

According to the circular, the demand for a 5-day work week has been under discussion since the 10th Bipartite Settlement in 2015, which introduced holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays. During the 12th Bipartite Settlement negotiations, the issue was revisited, leading to an MoU signed on December 7, 2023. The IBA then recommended to the government that all Saturdays be declared holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act for the banking industry.

The final Joint Note, signed on March 8, 2024, also recorded the IBA’s recommendation and stated that the implementation would begin once formal approval was given by the Government of India and other authorities. However, the union noted that nearly two years have passed since the recommendation, and the approval process is still pending.

UFBU stated that despite assurances given during conciliation meetings in March 2025 attended by representatives of the Finance Ministry the issue has not progressed. In the latest UFBU meeting, unions resolved to conduct agitation programmes, including a strike, to protest what they describe as prolonged delays.

A series of nationwide actions has been scheduled from December 1, 2025 to mid-January 2026. These include campaign meetings, letters to the IBA, Chief Labour Commissioner and the Department of Financial Services, mass memoranda by staff, badge wearing, demonstrations across state capitals, district level protests, a Twitter campaign, and a dharna in state capitals on January 5, 2026. A press meet is planned for January 13, 2026, followed by an all India strike in the third week of January.

The circular stated that employees and officers continue to work under heavy workloads and extended pressure, and highlighted that 5 day working is already in place in sectors such as RBI, LIC and GIC. The union urged its branches to prepare members for participation in the planned programmes and called for unity in carrying out the agitation schedule.