Bank Strike Today Amid Nationwide Bharat Bandh on February 12: Are Banks Shut?
India Business News – The Times of India
Updated: February 12, 2026, 12:26 IST
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, India is witnessing a nationwide Bharat Bandh called by a joint forum of central trade unions to protest against the central government’s alleged anti-worker policies. This large-scale strike has prominently involved banking unions, raising questions about the status of banking services across the country on this day.
Will Banks Remain Open During the Bharat Bandh?
Despite the ongoing strike, major banks in India have indicated that their branches will remain open. However, customers may experience service disruptions as several bank unions have aligned themselves with the bandh call.
Leading banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, and UCO Bank have submitted official notifications to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) alerting about possible impacts on their operations.
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Bank of Baroda: In its filing, the bank assured that while preparations are underway to maintain normal operations, some branch services might face interruptions if the strike leads to reduced staffing or other constraints.
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State Bank of India (SBI): The bank stated that necessary arrangements have been made to keep branches and offices functioning. Nevertheless, it acknowledged the possibility of limited disruptions in service owing to the strike.
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UCO Bank: Similar to the other banks, UCO Bank indicated that efforts are being taken for smooth functioning; however, normal branch operations could be affected depending on the strike participation among staff.
Given these circumstances, customers are advised to plan their banking transactions in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
Why Are Bank Unions Participating in the Bharat Bandh?
The Bharat Bandh has been called by over 10 central trade unions, including major bank unions such as the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), the All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI). These organizations have united to protest against recent reforms and policies they claim are detrimental to workers’ rights.
Key Concerns Raised by the Unions:
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Labour Codes: The unions argue that the new labour codes introduced by the government impose restrictive conditions on trade union registration and weaken workers’ protections.
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Working Conditions: Besides striking over labour reforms, bank employees have long demanded improvements such as the implementation of a five-day work week to better their work-life balance.
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Broader Protest: The Bharat Bandh’s call also targets what the unions describe as “anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies” of the central government. The strike has garnered support from farmer organizations and various other sector groups across India.
Scale of Participation and Impact
Trade unions estimate that nearly 30 crore (300 million) workers from various sectors are participating in the nationwide strike. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmer organizations, has urged farmers to join hands with trade union workers in this massive protest.
While key sectors such as transport, offices, and educational institutions are also affected to varying degrees, banking services remain operational with possible disruptions.
What Should Customers Do?
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Plan Ahead: Considering potential service limitations, customers should complete essential banking transactions ahead of time.
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Stay Informed: Follow live updates on Bharat Bandh and bank announcements to stay aware of the latest developments.
In Summary
While banks are not officially shut during the Bharat Bandh on February 12, 2026, customers should remain prepared for possible interruptions in services owing to partial strike participation by bank employees. The ongoing nationwide strike reflects widespread dissatisfaction among workers with government policies, particularly labour reforms perceived as anti-worker.
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For continuous coverage and more updates on the Bharat Bandh and its impact on banking and other services, stay tuned to The Times of India.