SBI advises customers to use digital banking channels amid planned two-day staff strike
New Delhi, May 22
State Bank of India on Friday issued a customer advisory informing that the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has given notice for a two-day strike on May 25 and 26.
In a post on X, the country's largest lender said efforts are being made to continue essential banking services at branches during the strike period and advised customers to use alternative banking channels to avoid inconvenience.
"Please be advised that the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) has given a notice for a two-day strike on 25th and 26th May 2026," the bank said in its advisory.
SBI requested customers to use ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs) for cash requirements during the period.
The bank also advised customers to use Customer Service Points (CSPs), internet banking, YONO, mobile banking, UPI and other digital channels for banking transactions.
"While we are making efforts to provide essential services in the branches, customers are requested to use ATMs/ADWMs for their cash requirements, use Customer Service Points (CSPs) and prefer Internet Banking, YONO, Mobile Banking, UPI and other digital channels," the advisory stated.
The public sector lender said it regrets any inconvenience caused to customers due to the planned strike.
The advisory comes ahead of the proposed industrial action by the staff federation, which could impact branch-level banking operations across several locations during the two-day period.
— ANI
Reader Comments
YONO and UPI have made life so much easier! I haven't visited a branch in months. But I feel for the villagers who still rely on branch banking. Hope the strike gets resolved soon.
Staff has every right to strike for their demands. SBI should negotiate properly instead of just pushing customers to digital channels. Digital divide is real in India!
I use SBI's UPI everyday - very smooth. But ATMs might run out of cash if too many people withdraw. Hope the bank has refilled them properly in advance. 🤞
As an NRI, I've seen this pattern in many countries. Digital is fine for daily use, but for big transactions like property deals, you need a human teller. Hope they resolve this quickly for everyone's sake.
Honestly, this is frustrating. Not everyone in India is tech-savvy. My parents in a small town still need to visit the branch for pension withdrawal. SBI should think about all customers, not just urban ones.
I moved to India last year and honestly, digital banking here is far ahead of many Western countries! UPI is brilliant. But strikes like these remind me that the human element still matters. Both
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