Overview
- The UFBU’s January 27 strike curtailed cash transactions, cheque clearances and other counter services at most public-sector branches, while UPI, internet and mobile banking operated as usual.
- SBI cautioned that work could be affected despite contingency plans, and several public-sector lenders filed notices of likely disruption as officials met to maintain digital and government services.
- Major private-sector banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank reported normal operations because their employees were not part of the strike call.
- Union leaders say the proposal to make all Saturdays holidays was agreed in 2023–2024 settlements with the IBA, with employees offering 40 extra minutes on weekdays, but the required government notification has not been issued.
- UFBU cited participation of about eight lakh workers and reported cheque-clearing and treasury delays, including a union-sourced estimate of Rs 4 lakh crore in cheques held up, and warned of further action if the standoff persists.