Nationwide Bank Strike on February 12: Services at Public Sector Banks to Be Hit
New Delhi, 11th February 2026: Banking services across the country are expected to be disrupted on Wednesday, February 12, as employees of public sector banks go on a nationwide strike. The strike has been called by major bank unions — the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA) and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI).
State Bank of India (SBI) has already informed its customers that normal banking operations may be affected due to the strike. Apart from SBI, IDBI Bank has also received a formal strike notice from employee unions.
Although the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not declared a holiday, the participation of staff in the strike is likely to impact branch-level functioning across government-owned banks.
Why are bank employees striking?
The main reason behind the protest is opposition to the Centre’s four new labour codes. Unions argue that these codes will replace 29 existing labour laws and may weaken workers’ rights while making trade union registration more difficult.
In addition, bank employees are demanding the implementation of a five-day work week in the banking sector. Currently, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays. Unions say rising workload and staff shortages are affecting work-life balance, and they want all Saturdays to be declared holidays.
Notably, bank employees had earlier gone on strike on January 27 with the same demands.
How will the strike affect customers?
* Branch services may halt: Cash deposits, cheque book requests, KYC updates and other in-branch services may not be available.
• Cheque clearance delays: Cheque processing could be delayed by two to three days, potentially holding up payments.
• ATM cash shortage risk: With banks closed for multiple days, some ATMs — especially in smaller cities and residential areas — may run out of cash.
• Loan and official work delays: Loan approvals, NOCs and documentation-related services may get pushed to later in the week.
Which services will continue?
* UPI and digital payments: Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and BHIM UPI will function normally.
• Internet and mobile banking: IMPS, NEFT and RTGS transfers, balance checks and bill payments will continue online.
• Private banks: HDFC, ICICI and Axis Bank branches are expected to function as usual.
• ATMs: ATM withdrawals will be possible as long as machines have sufficient cash.
Customers are advised to plan essential banking work in advance and rely on digital channels where possible until normal services resume.
