Banking operations were severely affected in the district on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) as employees of public sector banks participated in a nation-wide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
The strike was organised to press for the immediate implementation of a five-day work week in banks. At present, banks observe holidays only on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Bank unions have demanded holidays on all Saturdays, stating that employees are willing to compensate by working an additional 40 minutes on weekdays.
As part of the nation-wide protest, members of the Erode District Bank Officers’ and Employees’ Unions Federation staged a demonstration in the city, which was led by the federation’s coordinator, Ganesan. Employees from all public sector banks took part in the protest.
Due to the strike, customer services at public sector banks were badly hit. With banks already closed on Saturday and Sunday, followed by the holiday on Republic Day, banking services have remained disrupted for four consecutive days, causing inconvenience to the public.
Businessmen, traders, powerloom unit owners and other commercial establishments faced hardship as cheques could neither be presented nor cleared. They said the continuous closure of banks was affecting business activities and urged the Central government to ensure that banks are not shut for extended periods.
According to union sources, more than 2,000 employees from 217 bank branches participated in the strike across the district.
Published – January 27, 2026 05:36 pm IST
