The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) is planning multiple strikes over a number of unresolved issues, Hindustan Times reported.

The forum, which represents more than 90% of India's banking workforce, has called a one-day strike on September 11, followed by a three-day strike from September 28-30. It has threatened an indefinite strike from October 26 if the disputes remain unresolved.

UFBU comprises seven unions — AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBOC and INBEF — representing employees across public-sector, private, foreign, regional rural and cooperative banks.

The unions have demanded a five-day working week, scrapping of the new PLI system and renegotiation of the incentive scheme.

The five-day week has been a point of discussion for more than 10 years. Banks began observing holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays in 2015, while negotiations resumed in 2020.

UFBU said the proposal was sent to the government but remains pending. The unions have also pointed out that institutions including the Reserve Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation of India, General Insurance Corporation and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development already operate on a five-day schedule.

The revised PLI framework is another major point of contention. A 2020 settlement established a uniform incentive system, with payments ranging from one to 15 days of wages based on bank performance.

In November 2024, the Department of Financial Services directed banks to introduce an individual performance-based formula for Scale IV to VII officers. UFBU estimates that the change would affect about 40,000 officers, or roughly 5% of the banking workforce.

Under the revised system, eligible senior officers could receive incentives equivalent to as much as 365 days of wages, compared with the 15-day ceiling applicable to other employees.

UFBU had planned a strike over the issue in March 2025 but deferred it after the Chief Labour Commissioner initiated discussions between the unions and the Indian Banks' Association. The unions later submitted proposals for changes, but the government directed banks in March 2026 to proceed with implementation.

The unions argue that the new system creates excessive disparities between senior officers and other employees and undermines the collectively negotiated incentive structure. They also oppose categorising officers as performers and non-performers, saying the proposed system could weaken collective bargaining.