If you have important banking work coming up, you may want to plan it in advance. A proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30 could affect normal branch banking services across the country.
The State Bank of India (SBI) has issued an advisory for its customers, asking them to complete branch-dependent banking work before the proposed strike begins. The bank has also encouraged customers to use digital and alternative banking channels during the strike period.
SBI Advises Customers to Use Digital Banking
According to the advisory, customers can use ATMs, Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs) and Customer Service Points (CSPs) for several basic banking requirements, including cash-related needs.
For regular transactions, customers can turn to SBI YONO, internet banking, mobile banking and UPI. Money transfers, bill payments and other digital transactions can generally be handled through these channels without visiting a bank branch.
However, services that require direct assistance from bank employees could face delays.
These may include cheque-related work, submitting documents at branches and other employee-dependent banking services.
Why Customers Could Face a Five-Day Disruption
The timing of the proposed strike could create additional inconvenience for customers.
September 26 and 27 are weekend holidays, followed by the proposed nationwide strike on September 28, 29 and 30. This could effectively create a five-day period during which regular branch operations may be disrupted.
SBI has said efforts will be made to keep essential services operational, but customers may still experience delays if normal branch operations are affected.
Who Has Called the Bank Strike?
The proposed three-day nationwide strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
Bank unions had also observed a one-day nationwide strike on September 11. In addition, unions have proposed a further continuous strike beginning October 26.
For customers, the key takeaway is simple: don’t leave branch-dependent banking work until the last moment.
If you need to submit documents, deposit a cheque, complete paperwork or get assistance from bank employees, completing the work before the proposed strike could help avoid unnecessary delays.
For routine transactions, customers can continue using digital banking options such as UPI, mobile banking, internet banking and SBI YONO, wherever the required service is available.
SBI has expressed regret for the potential inconvenience and urged customers to cooperate during the proposed strike period.
