SBI Customers Alert: Upcoming Branch Closures and Strike Impacting Services
Important Notice for SBI Customers
Customers of the State Bank of India (SBI) should plan their branch visits carefully, as there will be significant disruptions in banking services later this month. Starting May 23, a series of closures will occur due to a combination of weekend holidays, RBI-mandated holidays for Eid, and a planned two-day nationwide strike by SBI employee unions. This shutdown is expected to impact various banking operations at numerous branches, including cash deposits, cheque clearances, passbook updates, loan processing, and customer support.
With multiple non-working days coinciding, customers are encouraged to complete essential banking transactions ahead of time to prevent any inconvenience or delays in branch services. The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation, representing the workmen employees' union, has announced a strike on May 25 and 26, 2026, citing unresolved issues that affect employee welfare.
Key demands from the employee union include concerns regarding recruitment processes, the selection of National Pension System (NPS) fund managers, opposition to outsourcing, equitable treatment in career progression revisions, and issues related to the Human Resource Management System (HRMS). The union claims that many staff-related matters remain unresolved despite previous discussions with management.
In addition to the strike, banking operations will be halted on May 23 due to the fourth Saturday and on May 24 for the weekly Sunday holiday. Furthermore, some regions may experience additional disruptions on May 27 due to Bakrid/Eid al-Adha celebrations, with certain areas potentially closing on May 28 as well. In Jammu and Kashmir, bank branches will observe a two-day holiday on May 27 and 28 for Bakrid.
The anticipated schedule for SBI branch closures is as follows:
- May 23 - Fourth Saturday
- May 24 - Sunday
- May 25 & 26 - Strike
- May 27 & 28 - Bakrid/Eid al-Adha (in various states)
Despite these disruptions, SBI's online banking services, including net banking, mobile banking, UPI transactions, and ATM services, are expected to remain functional.