India, Jan. 26 -- Several banks across India are likely to shut branches on 27 January 2026 after staff unions announced a nationwide strike to demand a five-day work week. The call to strike comes from the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body representing nine major unions of bank officers and employees. This action follows months of negotiations that failed to produce a breakthrough on the long-pending demand.

If the strike takes place as planned, it will extend the holidays for many bank branches to four days in a row, starting from 24 January (fourth Saturday), 25 January (Sunday), and 26 January (Republic Day). This could leave customers facing a multi-day closure of banking services unless they plan.

The central de...