The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has announced a demonstration on 12 August 2026, demanding the implementation of 5-Day Banking. However, UFBU is facing severe backlash from bankers over its decision to hold another demonstration. Many bankers are calling the demonstration a “Nautanki” (drama). But why are bankers saying this? Let’s understand.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) said – 6 mahine pehle strike ki thi..Abhi wapas demonstration..Members ko pta nhi kya samjh liya h..I am not falling into this trap anymore. Enough is enough. Strike karo badi.. ye nautanki nhi..
AIPNBOF GS said – After 29 month of signing of joint notes / bipartite and 6 months after one day strike UFBU has called for a after working hours demonstration on 12 august for 5 days banking. Does it make any sense?
Bank employees held a major nationwide strike on 27 January 2026, demanding that the Government of India implement 5-Day Banking. The strike was observed across the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kibithu to Ghuar Mota (Guhar Moti).
The strike received strong support from bankers across India. However, more than six months have passed since the strike, and bankers say that UFBU has not taken any major action on the issue since then.
After remaining largely silent for six months, UFBU has now announced a demonstration instead of another strike. Many bankers believe that such a demonstration is merely a formality and may not put enough pressure on the government to implement 5-Day Banking.
Some bankers are demanding that UFBU announce an indefinite strike to push for the implementation of 5-Day Banking. They argue that employees in the insurance sector and many government departments already work five days a week, while bank branches continue to operate six days a week, except on the second and fourth Saturdays.
Bankers are therefore asking UFBU to come up with a clear and strong roadmap for achieving 5-Day Banking. They want the union leadership to announce concrete steps and a stronger course of action instead of limiting the campaign to demonstrations.
