The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has set up a high‑level committee to discuss the implementation of a five‑day banking week, according to a communication dated September 29, 2026.
The committee was formed after the September 27 meeting of the IBA negotiating committee with the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). It will include representatives from bank management and employee unions, as unions continue to push for a five‑day work week that would make all Saturdays holidays for banks.
The demand has been under discussion for several years. During bipartite talks on January 31, 2023, the IBA proposed extending daily working hours by 45 minutes to accommodate a five‑day schedule, while the unions had earlier suggested a 30‑minute increase.
Bank unions on September 27 postponed a three‑day nationwide strike after the IBA assured them of their demands, including the five‑day work week. The strike call, announced by the UFBU on September 28, coincided with the banks’ half‑yearly closing. The committee will also include representatives from banking unions and associations under the UFBU. Currently, public sector banks observe holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, with other Saturdays remaining working days.
