Nationwide bank strike on 27 January

Government and private banks to remain closed for four consecutive days

New Delhi – A nationwide strike has been announced across banks in the country. All banks across India are expected to participate in this strike. Employees of Government as well as private banks have been called upon to join the strike. The All India Bank Employees Association has called for a nationwide strike on 27 January 2026 to press its demands before the Government.

The strike has been called primarily to demand five-day banking for bank employees, that is, a five-day working week. Discussions between bank unions and the Government on this demand have been ongoing for a long time. At present, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, while they function on the third and fifth Saturdays. The bank unions are demanding that banks remain closed on all Saturdays and Sundays. The unions have stated that during the wage revision agreement in March 2024, consensus was reached on this demand with the Indian Banks’ Association; however, no formal notification has been issued so far.

Banks to remain closed for four days

Due to the strike on 27 January, banking operations across the country will remain shut for four consecutive days. 24 January falls on the fourth Saturday of the month and is a scheduled holiday. 25 January is a Sunday. 26 January is a holiday on account of Republic Day. As a result, with the strike on 27 January, banks will remain closed on all four days.