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If you have any urgent banking tasks this month, it's crucial to be aware of the banking schedule. Employees of the State Bank of India (SBI), the largest public sector bank in the country, are gearing up for a significant strike due to their longstanding demands. The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has declared a two-day strike on May 25 and 26, 2026, which will affect operations nationwide. Notably, the strike will coincide with the second Saturday on May 23 and Sunday on May 24, resulting in four consecutive days of halted operations at SBI branches during the last week of May.

Union's Allegations Against Management

The union has accused the bank management of implementing policies that are detrimental to employees and infringing upon their rights. They have made it clear that if any holidays occur during the strike dates, the strike could extend to May 27. A primary reason for the strike is the perceived disparity in salaries and pensions. According to the union, the 12th agreement stipulated a 17% salary increase across the banking industry, but SBI management has granted an additional 'special pay' to officers, raising their increase to 22%, while clerical and other staff received only a 17% hike.

Concerns Over Security Issues

There is significant dissatisfaction among employees regarding security shortcomings. Over 1.1 lakh employees under the National Pension System (NPS) are not allowed to choose their pension fund manager, a privilege available in other banks, adversely affecting their future savings. Additionally, employees are frustrated with increasing security lapses, citing a recent daylight robbery at a branch in Surat as evidence. The union has pointed out that the bank is not hiring armed guards, putting both employees and customers at risk.

Outsourcing Concerns

For an extended period, hiring for positions like 'messenger' has been halted, increasing the workload on existing staff. The union claims that the bank management is favoring outsourcing over permanent employment. The federation has presented a 16-point demand letter to management, which includes several key requests.

Key Demands from the Union

The union's primary demands include allowing NPS employees to change their pension fund manager, immediate elimination of salary discrimination, resuming hiring for messenger and armed guard positions, halting outsourcing of permanent jobs, providing inter-circle transfer options for employees hired after 2019, resolving medical reimbursement and pension issues for retired employees, and ceasing pressure on employees under the guise of cross-selling.

Plans Leading Up to the Strike

To ensure the strike's success, the federation has already initiated a series of protests. Following a lunch-time demonstration on May 5, a social media campaign was launched on May 6. In the coming days, silent sit-ins at regional offices across the country are planned, along with a memorandum to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 19. A memorandum will also be presented to Prime Minister Modi on May 21. If management does not take timely action, SBI operations could be completely disrupted on May 25 and 26.