A major one-day bank strike and nationwide protest is set to take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, affecting banking services and public life across India. With union leaders and employees gearing up for the action, customers and businesses are preparing for possible disruptions. But what exactly will happen, and how will it impact you?

Banks: Open or Closed on February 12?

Despite the strike call by bank unions, neither the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) nor any public or private bank has declared February 12 an official banking holiday. This means that, according to the regular RBI holiday calendar, banks are scheduled to remain open for normal business operations. 

However, several major public sector banks — including State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda — have issued notices warning that services could be affected if a significant number of staff participate in the strike. 

 In practice, branches may remain open, but customers could face delays or reduced services depending on how many employees join the strike.

Why Are Bank Unions Striking?

The strike on February 12 is not an isolated protest — it is part of a larger nationwide demonstration (often referred to as Bharat Bandh) called by Central Trade Unions along with bank worker organisations. 

Key Reasons Behind the Strike:

1. Opposition to New Labour Codes

Unions are protesting against the implementation of four new consolidated labour codes introduced by the central government in November 2025. These replace 29 existing labour laws, and trade unions argue they weaken worker protections, restrict trade union rights, and make union registration harder. 

2. Long-Standing Worker Demands

Bank employees have also long been asking for improvements such as:

a five-day work week,

better work-life balance,

enhanced job security and benefits. 

3. Solidarity With Broader Protests

The bank strike is coordinated with the larger Bharat Bandh movement, which includes farmers, labourers, and other workers seeking policy changes on multiple fronts. 

What Could Be Affected on February 12?

Even though banks may technically remain open, regular operations at branches might slow down or be limited:

Possible Banking Impacts

Cash transactions at counters may take longer or be unavailable. 

Cheque clearance and deposit services could face delays. 

In-person customer support and query services might be reduced. 

Services Likely to Function Normally

Digital banking — including UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, and debit/credit card payments — should continue without major disruption. 

ATMs will generally remain operational, though some cash availability issues can’t be completely ruled out.

Wider Bharat Bandh Effects

Because the bank strike is part of a larger Bharat Bandh, other sectors may also be impacted:

Public transport services in some areas might see interruptions. 

Government offices, schools, and markets could experience closures or reduced attendance, especially in regions where unions are active. 

How deeply each region is affected will depend on local participation in the bandh.

Advice for Customers

If you have urgent banking needs — such as cash withdrawals, cheque deposits or loan processing — it’s best to complete them before February 12, 2026.

For routine digital transactions like online transfers or UPI payments, you can rely on digital platforms that are expected to operate normally.