Banking operations across India are facing significant disruptions today, February 12, 2026, as a nationwide Bharat Bandh takes hold. Led by a coalition of ten central trade unions and supported by major banking associations, the strike has brought the long-standing demand for a 5-day work week back to the forefront of national discourse.
While digital platforms remain functional, physical branch operations in several states are seeing thin attendance and suspended services, leaving many customers looking for alternatives.
Why are Bank Employees Striking?
The primary trigger for the participation of bank staff in today's Bharat Bandh is the unresolved demand for a 5-day work week. Currently, banks in India operate on a schedule where the second and fourth Saturdays of every month are holidays. However, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has been pushing for all Saturdays to be declared holidays, citing extreme work pressure and the need for better work-life balance.
"A rested banker serves the nation better," stated a representative from the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA). "We have already agreed to extend daily working hours by 40 minutes to compensate for the extra holidays, yet the government approval remains pending."
Beyond the 5-day week, unions are also protesting:
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New Labour Codes: Opposition to the four new codes that replace 29 existing laws, which unions claim weaken workers' rights.
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Staffing Pressures: Demands for immediate recruitment to fill vacancies and reduce the burden on existing employees.
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Pension Reforms: The call for a rollback to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Banking Services Affected Today
Major public sector lenders, including State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, and UCO Bank, have issued advisories to the stock exchanges. While they have made arrangements to maintain normalcy, they admit that branch-level work is "impacted to a limited extent."
If you were planning to visit your local branch today, expect the following services to be hindered:
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Over-the-counter transactions: Cash deposits and large withdrawals may be delayed.
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Cheque Clearances: Physical clearing of cheques is likely to face a 24-hour lag.
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Locker Access: Most locker rooms in participating branches will remain inaccessible.
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Administrative Tasks: KYC updates and the issuance of Demand Drafts (DDs) are largely suspended.
What Remains Operational?
Despite the physical shutdown in pockets like Kerala, Odisha, and Punjab, digital banking services are functioning as usual. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not declared today a formal holiday, meaning the digital payment backbone (NEFT, IMPS, UPI) is fully active.
Pro-Tip: Use mobile banking apps or NetBanking for urgent transfers. ATMs are also expected to remain stocked and operational throughout the day.
The Broader Impact of Bharat Bandh
The strike isn't limited to banks. Supported by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the Bharat Bandh has also affected public transport and markets in several regions. Farmers are protesting the recent India–US interim trade deal, fearing that cheaper imports will hurt domestic livelihoods.
As the day progresses, the government's response to the 5-day work week demand remains the most watched development for millions of bank employees nationwide.
