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Customers of India’s largest public sector lender, State Bank of India, could face major banking disruptions later this month as employee unions have announced a two-day nationwide strike. Due to a combination of holidays, weekends, and the proposed strike, SBI branches in several parts of the country may remain shut for up to six consecutive days, affecting millions of account holders.

The possible closure is expected to impact regular banking services such as cash deposits, withdrawals at branches, cheque clearances, loan-related work, passbook updates, and customer support operations. Customers have been advised to complete important banking tasks in advance to avoid inconvenience during the extended shutdown period.

Why SBI Branches Could Stay Closed for Six Days

According to employee unions, SBI staff members are planning a nationwide strike on May 25 and May 26, 2026. Since May 23 falls on the fourth Saturday and May 24 is a Sunday, banks will already remain closed on those days under the standard banking holiday schedule.

In addition to this, several states are expected to observe bank holidays on May 27 and May 28 due to Bakrid celebrations. As a result, SBI customers in many regions may experience an uninterrupted six-day closure of physical bank branches.

While digital services such as internet banking, UPI, mobile banking, and ATMs are likely to remain operational, branch-related services may witness severe disruption if the strike proceeds as planned.

What Is the Reason Behind the SBI Strike?

The strike call has reportedly been given by the All India State Bank Staff Federation (AISBISF), which represents a large section of workmen employees within SBI. The union claims that employee concerns and pending demands have been ignored by the bank management for a long time.

According to the federation, several agreements affecting staff welfare and working conditions have not been properly implemented. Union leaders allege that important administrative decisions are being taken without consulting employee representatives, weakening staff rights and workplace protections.

The protest is mainly linked to issues concerning the workmen category employees, including support staff and clerical workers.

Employees Raise 16 Major Demands

The federation has reportedly submitted a charter containing 16 demands to the bank management. These demands include issues related to recruitment, pension benefits, promotions, salary structure, workplace facilities, and employee welfare.

One of the major concerns raised by the union is the lack of recruitment for messenger and support staff positions. Employee representatives claim that these posts are gradually disappearing because hiring has been halted for several years.

The union has also highlighted security concerns inside SBI branches. Referring to recent robbery incidents, including a reported case in Surat, employees have demanded stronger security arrangements and increased deployment of armed guards at bank branches.

NPS and Salary Concerns Add to Employee Anger

Another major issue raised by SBI employees is related to the National Pension System (NPS). Staff members allege that they are not given the flexibility to change pension fund managers, unlike employees in some other public sector banks.

Union representatives have also objected to what they describe as salary inequality between officers and workmen staff. According to employee groups, special pay benefits are being extended to officers, while non-officer staff are not receiving similar financial advantages.

These concerns have reportedly intensified dissatisfaction among employees, leading to the announcement of demonstrations and strike action.

Protests Planned Before the Strike

Before the proposed strike dates, employees are expected to carry out several protest activities in phases. These may include lunch-hour demonstrations, social media campaigns, press conferences, dharnas, and submission of memorandums to the Finance Ministry and Prime Minister’s Office.

Union leaders say these actions are intended to draw attention to long-pending staff grievances and push the management toward discussions.

What Customers Should Do

Customers who need branch-related banking services are advised to complete important financial work before May 23 to avoid delays. Individuals planning cheque deposits, loan documentation, account updates, or cash-related branch visits should make arrangements in advance.

Even though digital banking platforms are expected to continue functioning, customers may still face delays in certain offline banking operations due to reduced staff availability and holiday closures.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding cancellation of the strike. Customers are advised to monitor announcements from SBI and banking unions for the latest updates regarding branch operations.