Employees of the State Bank of India are set to go on a nationwide two-day strike from May 25 to May 26, 2026, following a call by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation.
The employee union stated that the strike has been organised to press for several long-pending demands, including the recruitment of adequate staff, improved employee welfare measures, and better working conditions across SBI branches.
Banking Services Likely To Be Affected
Due to the scheduled strike, SBI banking services in several parts of the country may face disruptions. Combined with the fourth Saturday bank holiday on May 23, Sunday closure on May 24, and the Eid al-Fitr holiday in some regions, customers could experience interruptions in branch banking operations for multiple consecutive days.
The union has highlighted concerns over staff shortages in branches and increasing workload pressure on employees. One of the key demands includes large-scale recruitment to improve workforce strength and customer service efficiency.
Key Demands Raised By SBI Employees
According to reports, the federation has also demanded:
Appointment of additional employees across branches
Deployment of armed security guards at bank offices
Pension fund benefits for employees under the National Pension System (NPS)
Implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector
Employee unions have reportedly been raising these issues for several years, urging authorities to address workload management and employee welfare concerns.
Customers Advised To Plan Ahead
Customers are advised to complete important branch-related transactions in advance and rely on digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs, and UPI during the strike period.
While online banking services are expected to function normally, branch operations, cheque clearances, and customer support services may be affected depending on employee participation in the strike.