Amidst the bank employees' strike, a significant update has emerged. The Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday that, in view of the proposed strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU)—an umbrella body of bank employee organizations—all banks, including Regional Rural Banks, will remain open on Sunday, September 27, to facilitate customer convenience.

**Banks to Open on Sunday Too**
The UFBU has called for a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. Key among its demands is the implementation of a five-day work week in banks. The organization claims to represent approximately 90 percent of the workforce in the banking sector.

**What Did the Ministry Say?**
In a statement, the Ministry noted that considering the proposed three-day strike (September 28–30) and the preceding weekend holidays (September 26 and 27), the government has taken measures to ensure banking services remain available to customers. The statement read, "To ensure that the public's banking needs are not disrupted for an extended period, all public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, September 27."

The Reserve Bank of India has authorized keeping all bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches, and 'currency chests' fully operational on September 27. The Department of Financial Services, under the Ministry of Finance, stated that the convenience and welfare of bank customers are the government's top priority. Both the government and bank management have appealed to the employee unions to call off the proposed strike. Simultaneously, steps have been taken to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of essential banking services.

Public sector banks have advised customers to utilize digital services—such as mobile banking, ATMs, internet banking, banking correspondent centers, and UPI—in the event of a strike. Banks have also urged customers to complete necessary transactions prior to the dates of the proposed strike to avoid any inconvenience.

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