Bank strike hits branch operations in Hyderabad on September 11; operations expected to resume on September 15

On Friday, September 11, 2026, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) called a one‑day nationwide strike that led to the closure of the majority of public‑sector bank branches across Hyderabad, leaving only in‑charge personnel at a handful of outlets.

Thousands of employees and officers from public‑sector banks, as well as staff from some private banks and regional rural banks, joined the protest. The State Level Bankers’ Committee had earlier advised customers to shift to digital channels. Branch operations are slated to restart on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, following the weekend and the Ganesh Chaturthi holiday. Less than 5% of Telangana Grameena Bank staff did not participate, while private banks remained open. Demonstrators gathered on Bank Street in Koti, demanding a five‑day work week and the suspension of a production‑linked incentive scheme, which the government has placed on hold.

The strike underscores long‑standing disputes over banking work schedules; currently banks close on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays, while unions push for closure of all Saturdays and an additional 40 minutes of work each day to compensate for lost time. Services such as cheque clearing were disrupted, affecting customers and businesses dependent on branch banking. UFBU has signaled a three‑day strike planned for September 28‑30 and an indefinite strike from October 26, indicating continued pressure on the sector.