With the nationwide bank strike set to follow the September 26-27 weekend, the government has moved salary and pension payments forward and arranged an extra banking day.
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The Centre has taken a series of measures to reduce the disruption expected from the three-day nationwide bank strike scheduled for September 28 to 30.
The timing of the strike is particularly significant because it follows the September 26-27 weekend and coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks.
To give employees and customers an additional window for essential transactions, the government has brought forward the payment of September salaries and pensions for central government employees. Banks, including Regional Rural Banks, have also been directed to operate on Sunday, September 27.
The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which says it represents around 90% of the banking workforce.
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September Salaries and Pensions to Be Released Early
Central government employees will receive their September salary and wages earlier than usual.
According to an office memorandum issued by the Controller General of Accounts, departments can draw and pay September salaries and wages on Friday, September 25, instead of following the normal payment schedule.
The arrangement covers employees working in areas including:
- Defence
- Posts
- Telecommunications
- Other central government departments
September pensions for central government pensioners can also be released on September 25.
The payment will be treated as an advance. If any adjustment becomes necessary once the full month’s salary, wages or pension has been determined, it will be made through the October 2026 payment.
Departments Asked to Complete Payments Early
The Finance Ministry has also advised ministries and departments to bring forward payments and banking transactions that are due toward the end of September wherever this is possible.
The move is intended to reduce the number of transactions that could otherwise coincide with the strike and the bank-closing period.
For employees receiving salaries or pensions through government banking channels, the earlier payment provides access to funds before the proposed disruption begins.
Banks to Open on Sunday, September 27
Another major step involves bank branches.
All banks, including Regional Rural Banks, have been asked to keep their branches open on Sunday, September 27.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, ATM-linked branches, offices and currency chests on that day.
This creates an additional working window immediately before the strike.
The government said the arrangement was necessary because September 26 and 27 fall on the weekend, followed by the three-day strike beginning September 28.
Why September 27 Is Important for Customers
Customers who need branch-based banking services will have an opportunity to complete them on Sunday before the proposed strike starts.
This could be particularly relevant for transactions that cannot be completed through digital banking platforms.
Banks have therefore been advising customers not to leave essential banking work until the last minute.
Customers who need to visit a branch should check with their respective bank regarding the availability of the specific service they require.
Digital Banking Remains Available for Eligible Services
Banks are also encouraging customers to rely on digital channels wherever possible during the disruption.
Depending on the service, customers can use:
- Mobile banking
- Internet banking
- UPI
- ATMs
- Business Correspondent (BC) points
These channels can help customers carry out routine transactions without depending on a physical branch.
Banks have also been asked to maintain adequate cash availability at ATMs during the strike period.
What Is the September 28-30 Bank Strike About?
The nationwide strike has been called by the UFBU over several demands concerning the banking sector.
Among the demands cited in the supplied material is the introduction of a five-day banking week, along with changes relating to pension provisions across the sector.
The UFBU says it represents approximately 90% of the banking workforce.
The proposed strike is scheduled for September 28, 29 and 30.
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Three-Day Strike Follows a Weekend
The calendar makes this period particularly important for customers.
| Date | Situation | September 25 | Central government salaries, wages and pensions can be paid early | September 26 | Weekend holiday | September 27 | Banks directed to operate | September 28 | Proposed bank strike | September 29 | Proposed bank strike | September 30 | Proposed bank strike and half-yearly closing period |
|---|
For customers, this means the available window for branch-based banking immediately before the strike is limited.
What Customers Should Do Before the Strike
Customers who have urgent branch-related work can consider completing it before September 28 rather than waiting for the strike period.
For routine transactions, digital channels may provide an alternative where the required service is supported.
Those who need cash should also plan ahead rather than relying entirely on last-minute ATM withdrawals, even though banks have been asked to maintain adequate ATM cash availability.
Customers can use Sunday, September 27, as an additional opportunity for branch-based services before the proposed strike begins.
Key Takeaways
- The proposed nationwide bank strike is scheduled for September 28-30.
- Central government employees can receive September salaries and wages from September 25.
- Central government pensions can also be released early.
- Banks, including Regional Rural Banks, have been asked to operate on Sunday, September 27.
- RBI has approved the operation of branches, ATM-linked branches, offices and currency chests on Sunday.
- Customers can use mobile banking, internet banking, UPI, ATMs and BC points for eligible services.
- Banks have been asked to maintain adequate ATM cash availability.
- The UFBU has called the strike over demands including a five-day banking week and pension-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the bank strike in September 2026?
The nationwide strike has been called for September 28, 29 and 30, 2026.
Will banks be open on Sunday, September 27?
Banks, including Regional Rural Banks, have been asked to operate on Sunday, September 27, ahead of the proposed strike.
Will central government employees get their September salary early?
Yes. Under the arrangement described in the Controller General of Accounts memorandum, September salaries and wages can be paid on September 25.
Will central government pensioners receive their pension early?
September pensions for central government pensioners can also be released on September 25.
Can customers use UPI during the bank strike?
The supplied material says banks are advising customers to use UPI, mobile banking and internet banking wherever possible for eligible services.
Will ATMs remain available during the strike?
Banks have been asked to ensure sufficient cash availability at ATMs during the strike period.
Why has the bank strike been called?
The UFBU has called the strike over several banking-sector demands, including a five-day banking week and uniform pension provisions.
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The post Bank Strike September 28-30: Centre Advances Salaries, Banks to Open on Sunday first appeared on informalnewz.
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