Complete Your Bank Work Today! State Bank Branches May Stay Shut for 6 Straight Days From Tomorrow—Know the Reason

SBI Bank Holidays: Important news for customers of the State Bank of India (SBI)! Banking operations could come to a standstill for six consecutive days, starting this Saturday. Find out the reasons behind this disruption and the 16 demands put forward by the employees.

SBI Bank Holidays: If you hold an account with the country's largest public sector bank—the State Bank of India (SBI)—and have any urgent banking-related tasks to complete, ensure you finish them today (Friday, May 22) without delay.

This is because, starting tomorrow—May 23—and continuing through May 28, 2026, SBI branches across the country may remain closed for six consecutive days. The reasons behind this extended period of closure include the weekend, a proposed strike by employees, and the official public holidays for Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha).

Why Will Banks Remain Closed Between May 23 and May 28?

There are various distinct reasons why banking operations will be affected during these six days:

May 23 (Fourth Saturday): As per regulations, all banks across the country will observe a holiday on the fourth Saturday of the month.
May 24 (Sunday): Banks will remain closed due to the weekly holiday (Sunday).
May 25 & 26 (Monday & Tuesday)—SBI Staff Strike: The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has proposed a two-day nationwide strike.

May 27 & 28 (Wednesday & Thursday)—Bakrid Holiday: According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) calendar, banks in most parts of the country will remain closed on May 27 on account of Bakrid, while in some regions, the holiday will be observed on May 28. Notably, in Jammu & Kashmir, banks will remain closed on both May 27 and May 28.

Which Banking Services Will Be Affected by the Strike?

Since this strike has been called by the 'Workmen Category'—specifically clerks and other support staff—banking operations involving direct public interaction will be the most severely affected.

Cash deposits and withdrawals. Check clearing operations may be stalled.
Passbook updates and other clerical tasks could come to a standstill.

Why are SBI employees going on strike?

Citing employees' rights, the need for a better work environment, and the interests of customers, the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) has announced this strike based on 16 key demands.

The Employees' 16 Key Demands: Recruitment of Subordinate Staff (Messengers): Permanent subordinate staff (Class IV employees) should be immediately appointed to fill vacant positions.

• Deployment of Armed Guards: An adequate number of armed guards should be recruited to bolster the bank's security.
• Freedom within NPS: Employees should be given the option to choose their own 'Pension Fund Manager' under the National Pension System (NPS).

Inter-Circle Transfers (ICT): Employees recruited after the year 2019 should be given the opportunity to transfer to a different circle.

Ban on Outsourcing: The practice of outsourcing the bank's permanent and essential functions to external (third-party) agencies must cease.

Adequate Staffing: New employees should be recruited across all branches to address the increasing work pressure.

Issue of Parity: Disparities in salaries and other benefits among employees must be resolved.

Career Progression Scheme: Policies related to promotions and career growth should be reviewed and improved.

Benefits for Retirees: Retirees who retired under the 10th Bipartite Settlement should be granted the benefit of the '8th Stagnation Increment.'

Review of Consultation Charges: The physician consultation charges, effective from July 15, 2024, should be revised.

Improvements to Medical Scheme: The medical reimbursement scheme should be made simpler and more employee-friendly.

Inclusion of All Allowances in Pension: When calculating the pensions of employees who retired under the 7th Bipartite Settlement, all components of their salary should be taken into account.

HRMS Issues: Technical glitches and deficiencies within the bank's HR software (HRMS) must be permanently resolved. Appointment of Employee Director: The long-standing tradition of appointing a Director from the 'Workmen' category to the Bank's Board of Directors should be reinstated.

Nomination of PF Trustee: A representative of the employees should be accorded a seat on the Provident Fund (PF) Trust.

Curbing Mis-selling: The practice of coercing employees—under the guise of 'cross-selling'—to force unsuitable products, such as insurance or mutual funds, upon customers must cease immediately.