SBI branch operations likely closed for 6 days amid strike, weekends and Eid holidays

State Bank of India customers may face disruptions in branch banking services from May 23 due to a combination of weekend holidays, a two-day employee strike and Bakrid-related closures in several regions. Physical banking operations including cash deposits, cheque clearances, passbook updates, loan-related work and customer assistance are expected to be affected at multiple branches across the country.

The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has announced a nationwide strike on May 25 and May 26. The employee union stated that the strike has been called over several pending staff-related issues, including recruitment concerns, outsourcing of work, parity in revision of career progression schemes, National Pension System fund manager selection and HRMS-related matters.

According to the employee body, discussions with management had taken place earlier, but several demands remained unresolved. The union said the strike decision was taken following continued disagreement over employee welfare and administrative issues concerning staff members across the bank.

Apart from the strike, SBI branches will remain closed on May 23 due to the fourth Saturday and on May 24 because of the weekly Sunday holiday. Branch operations may also remain affected on May 27 in several states on account of Bakrid or Eid al-Adha. In Jammu and Kashmir, banks are expected to observe holidays on both May 27 and May 28 for the festival.

SBI’s digital banking services, including internet banking, mobile banking, UPI transactions and ATM facilities, are expected to continue functioning during the closure period. Customers have been advised to complete branch-related transactions in advance to avoid inconvenience during the affected days.