The All-India State Bank of India Staff Federation has deferred its proposed two-day strike scheduled for May 25 and 26, 2026, following discussions between employee representatives and SBI management. All SBI branches across the country will function normally and provide regular banking services on both days.
SBI issued a customer advisory confirming the development: “This is to advise our esteemed customers that the proposed strike by the All-India State Bank of India Staff Federation on 25th and 26th May 2026 has been deferred. All our branches will function normally and provide all regular banking services.”
Why the strike was called
The federation had announced a two-day strike over a 16-point charter of demands that it alleged had remained unresolved with management for an extended period. The key demands covered staffing, outsourcing, pension provisions, and wage concerns.
On staffing, the union demanded recruitment of messengers and armed guards, filling of vacant posts across branches, and an end to outsourcing in categories classified as permanent jobs. The federation alleged that a shrinking workforce was placing increasing operational pressure on existing employees and that shortages of armed guards had created security risks at several branch locations.
On compensation and career progression, the union raised concerns about disparity in wage hikes granted to officers and workmen despite industry-level settlements being in place. It also sought greater flexibility under the National Pension System for relevant employee categories and demanded inter-circle transfer opportunities for employees recruited after 2019.
Ahead of the planned strike, the federation had organised nationwide demonstrations, sit-ins, and social media campaigns, and had prepared representations for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agitation was withdrawn after management-level discussions addressed sufficient ground for the federation to defer the action.
What customers should know
SBI had earlier advised account holders to use alternative banking channels including ATMs, internet banking, YONO, mobile banking, and UPI platforms in case branch services were disrupted. With the strike now deferred, those precautionary measures are no longer necessary and full branch banking resumes as normal through the extended weekend.
This article is for informational purposes only.