Banks To Open Across India On Sunday For First Time In 136 Years Ahead Of 3-Day Strike

Banks across India will open their branches on Sunday, reportedly for the first time in 136 years, ahead of a three-day nationwide strike from Monday, while digital banking services and ATMs will continue to remain operational. 

Around 50,000 bank employees in Gujarat are expected to join a three-day strike from Monday, affecting banking transactions across the state.

Banks To Remain Open On Sunday

Banks in Gujarat will remain open on Sunday, reportedly for the first time in 136 years, as banks prepare for a three-day strike from Monday.

The decision means government banks and regional rural banks will remain operational on Sunday to manage transactions ahead of the strike.

The strike is scheduled from Monday, September 28, to Wednesday, September 30. Around 50,000 bank employees in Gujarat are expected to participate.

Strike To Affect Banking Transactions

Bank employees have been protesting over various demands, with the strike expected to affect routine banking services for three days.

According to the Gujarat Bank Workers Union, the practice of keeping banks closed on Sundays dates back to an arrangement introduced after employees sought changes in their working schedule.

The union said bank employees had earlier demanded five-day working weeks. After discussions involving the Indian Banks' Association and the government, an agreement was reached regarding holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays.

During Strike Digital Services, ATMs To Remain Operational

Digital banking services and ATMs will continue to remain available during the strike.

State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of India (BOI) have advised customers to complete branch-related work at the earliest. Customers have also been encouraged to use 24-hour digital services, including the YONO app, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI, ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs).

The strike is not expected to significantly affect operations at private-sector banks such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank. These banks are expected to continue their services as usual.

Finance Ministry Yet To Take Decision

A proposal related to the employees' demands has been pending with the Union Finance Ministry, with no decision reported so far.

Union representatives said the lack of a decision has contributed to the continuation of the strike programme.

Earlier, the Ministry of Finance announced the decision on September 23, saying the additional working day would help customers access essential banking services before the strike.

The move comes as the proposed strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) follows the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27.

Private Banks May Also Join

Meanwhile, private-sector banks are also expected to participate in the protest.

HDFC Bank's Rajkot branch has informed customers through email that banking operations would remain available on Sunday. The communication also stated that bank services would continue as usual from September 28 to September 30.