State Bank of India (SBI) customers could face major disruptions later this month, as bank branches may remain closed for up to six consecutive days in some regions.
The situation is expected due to a mix of weekends, holidays, and a planned employee strike.
If this happens, it could become one of the longest branch shutdown periods in recent times.
Why SBI Branches May Remain Closed for So Long
The main reason behind the disruption is a nationwide strike announced by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF), scheduled for May 25 and May 26, 2026.
Before the strike even begins, branches will already be closed on:
May 23 (fourth Saturday)
May 24 (Sunday)
After the strike days, some states may also see closures on:
May 27 and May 28 due to Bakrid-related holidays
When combined, this creates a possible six-day break in normal branch operations in many locations.
Why SBI Employees Are Going on Strike
The employee union says their concerns have been ignored for a long time.
They have placed 16 demands before the management, covering key issues such as:
New recruitment in staff positions
Pension-related concerns
Promotion policies
Salary structure improvements
Better working conditions
One major issue is that recruitment for support roles like messengers has been stalled for years, leading to a shortage of staff in branches.
Employees have also raised concerns about branch security, pointing out the lack of armed guards in many locations.
Pension and Salary Concerns Add to Tensions
Another major point of disagreement is the National Pension System (NPS).
Employees say they do not have the flexibility to choose or change pension fund managers, unlike staff in some other public sector banks.
The union has also alleged salary imbalance, claiming that officers receive additional benefits while workmen staff are not given equal treatment.
What SBI Customers Should Do Now
Customers are advised to plan ahead and complete important branch work before May 23, especially tasks such as:
Cash deposits and withdrawals at branches
Cheque clearance
Passbook updates
Loan-related paperwork
Account verification work
However, digital banking services like UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, and ATM transactions are expected to remain functional during this period.
Final Takeaway
If the strike and holiday schedule align as expected, SBI customers in many areas may face limited access to branch services for nearly a week.
Planning ahead can help avoid last-minute inconvenience.
