India’s banking sector is preparing for a major agitation as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) launches a nationwide protest campaign demanding the implementation of 5-day banking. Despite repeated assurances and even a formal recommendation from the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) nearly two years ago, the Government has not yet approved the proposal.
Get ready for Strike action – Call from UFBU
We Demand : Implementation of 5 Days Banking per week pic.twitter.com/2abArfhhXl— All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) (@aiboc_in) November 28, 2025
The demand is longstanding. After the 10th Bipartite Settlement introduced holidays on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, subsequent settlements continued to push for full 5-day banking. In December 2023, IBA agreed in principle, and a joint note in March 2024 confirmed that the system would begin once the Government gave its approval. However, even after years of commitment, the approval remains pending.
Bank unions argue that staff shortages, long hours, and increasing public pressure make 5-day banking a justified and necessary reform, especially since RBI, LIC, and GIC already follow a 5-day work schedule. Earlier in 2025, the Finance Ministry assured that the matter was under active consideration, but months of inaction have led to widespread frustration among employees.
UFBU has now announced a structured protest programme from 1 December 2025 to mid-January 2026, culminating in a likely All India Bank Strike.
UFBU Agitation Programme Schedule
1 December 2025 – 15 January 2026
• Campaign meetings, workshops, seminars at all levels on key issues
01-12-2025 – UFBU letter to IBA
03-12-2025 – UFBU letter to Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC)
05-12-2025 – UFBU letter to Department of Financial Services (DFS)
08-12-2025 – UFBU letter to all Bank MDs
09-12-2025 – Mass memorandum to IBA from all branches
12-12-2025 – Mass memorandum to Finance Minister
16-12-2025 – Badge-wearing protest in branches
23-12-2025 – Demonstrations in all State Capitals
30-12-2025 – Demonstrations in all towns, centres, and districts
04-01-2026 – Twitter campaign
05-01-2026 – Dharna in State Capitals; strike date announcement
13-01-2026 – Press meet / press release
3rd Week of January 2026 – All India Bank Strike
Why Demart for 5-Day Banking?
✔ Long working hours
✔ Severe manpower shortage
✔ Heavy public dealing
✔ RBI, LIC & GIC already follow 5-day week
✔ Demand pending despite approval in principle since 2023
The UFBU’s nationwide agitation marks a crucial push to secure long-overdue 5-day banking for India’s bank employees. With years of assurances but no final approval from the Government, unions have launched a structured protest campaign from December 2025 to January 2026, culminating in a likely All India Strike. As staff continue to face long hours, acute manpower shortages, and mounting pressure, the demand for a 5-day workweek has become both urgent and justified. The coming weeks will be decisive as bank employees unite to press for this long-pending reform.
