Bank customers may need to plan ahead as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) prepares for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The effects could be visible at physical branches, particularly those of public sector banks, as staff participation may interrupt services that require in-person processing.
Routine work that requires a visit to a bank branch could be disrupted. These are over-the-counter transactions and account-related services that need assistance from bank employees. Services such as issuing demand drafts, account-related documentation and other work that depends on bank employees could be unavailable or delayed during the strike. Locker access, that requires assistance from the staff, might also be affected. Customers should be able to use UPI, internet banking, mobile banking and ATMs for routine transactions. Banks like the State Bank of India and Canara Bank have specifically advised customers to use alternative digital and self-service channels during the strike. That means someone wanting to transfer money, make a UPI payment or check their account balance generally does not need to wait for a branch to reopen. Nevertheless, customers should not assume that every service available online can replace branch-based work.
Customers who have essential branch work are being advised to complete it before the strike.
