Gujarat Bank Strike Alert: SLBC Urges Customers to Go Digital

GANDHINAGAR :  Gujarat bank customers are being urged to finish important branch-related work before September 28 as a three-day nationwide strike could disrupt regular banking services. The State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC)-Gujarat has advised customers to shift to digital banking channels during the possible disruption.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. Branch-based services could be affected during the three-day action. The strike would also follow the September 26-27 weekend holidays, potentially creating a longer disruption for customers needing physical banking services.

SLBC-Gujarat, in coordination with its convenor bank Bank of Baroda, has asked customers to complete important banking transactions and cheque-related work by September 25.

Customers have also been advised to plan their cash requirements in advance and use ATMs and cash recycler machines wherever required.

“Customers are advised to make maximum use of internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and ATMs,” the SLBC-Gujarat advisory said.

The appeal is aimed at reducing pressure on bank branches and ensuring that routine financial transactions continue despite possible staff participation in the strike.

The UFBU strike is linked primarily to the unions’ demand for a five-day banking week. After a conciliation meeting with the Indian Banks’ Association and government representatives on September 22, the unions decided to proceed with the September 28-30 strike.

The government has separately announced that public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, providing customers with an additional day to complete essential branch transactions. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on that day.

For customers, the key message is to avoid leaving urgent branch work until the last moment.

SLBC-Gujarat has urged customers to use digital channels wherever possible, including UPI, mobile banking and internet banking, while ATMs can be used for cash requirements.

The advisory comes as banks across the country prepare alternative arrangements to minimise inconvenience during the proposed three-day strike.