Bank officers and employees across India went on strike on September 11, 2026 — and it turned out to be a big one. The strike was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the umbrella body of bank employee and officer unions, and one of its key constituents, the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), says it saw huge support, with officers and employees showing up in large numbers to protest.
AIBOC has thanked all its member unions, officers, and staff for backing the strike. The organisation says banking work was disrupted at many branches and centres across the country, and a lot of employees joined rallies and demonstrations too.
Why are officers so upset? AIBOC says it’s simple — their demands have been pending for way too long, and patience is running out.
Demand #1: 5-Day Banking
The biggest ask right now is a 5-day work week for banks.
Here’s the thing — this isn’t even a new demand. It was actually agreed upon back in March 2024, as part of the wage revision settlement. But over a year later, it still hasn’t been rolled out.
AIBOC says talks have happened with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), the Department of Financial Services (DFS), and the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC). But so far, nothing concrete has come out of it — the proposal is still just sitting “under consideration.”
Demand #2: Scrap the Unfair PLI Scheme
The second big issue is the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which applies to Scale IV officers and above.
AIBOC has been against this scheme from the start, calling it one-sided, unfair, and divisive among staff.
There’s a small win here though — the scheme has been put on hold for 2025-26, and AIBOC says it will now be finalised only after proper discussions with the unions. The organisation sees this as proof that its objections were valid all along.
Next Up: A 3-Day Strike from September 28-30
Since none of the core demands have actually been resolved, UFBU and AIBOC aren’t stopping here. The next move is a three-day continuous bank strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026.
AIBOC has asked all its members to stay ready for this next round of protest.
The organisation once again thanked everyone for standing together on September 11 and said this same unity needs to carry forward into the next phase.
Quick Recap
Called by — United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU)
September 11, 2026 — All India Bank Strike held, strong turnout
Main demand — 5-day banking, promised in the March 2024 wage settlement, still not implemented
Other issue — PLI scheme for Scale IV+ officers, opposed by AIBOC, now on hold for 2025-26
What’s next — 3-day strike from September 28-30, 2026
AIBOC’s ask — Stay united for the next phase of the fight
