Bank Holiday Tomorrow: Will Banks Be Open Or Closed on March 25? Check Here

Bank Holiday Tomorrow: The proposed two-day nationwide bank strike planned for March 24-25 by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has been called off after discussions between the union representatives, the Chief Labour Commissioner, and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA). 

The decision comes as a relief to millions of bank customers who had been preparing for possible disruptions in banking services.

Relief for Customers as Strike is Called Off

The UFBU, which represents over 800,000 bank employees across nine unions in India, had initially planned the strike to raise several issues within the banking sector. 

The union's demands included a five-day workweek, improved recruitment processes, stronger protection laws for bank employees, and better work-life balance. They also sought the immediate withdrawal of recent directives from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) related to performance reviews and performance-linked incentives (PLI).

Will Banks Be Open on March 25? 

As a result of the strike being called off, banks across India will function normally today, March 24, and tomorrow, March 25. 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) confirmed that there are no holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act on these dates, meaning bank branches will be open and operations will continue without any disruption.

However, customers are advised to note that some bank branches may be closed on state-specific holidays, but online banking services, ATMs, mobile apps, and bank websites will remain available for accessing banking services.

Although the immediate strike has been averted, the UFBU's demands are still under review. The next hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2025, when the IBA will be required to provide a progress report on the issues raised by the union. No new dates for a potential strike or updates on government actions regarding the demands have been set yet.

The UFBU also raised several other concerns, including the resolution of unresolved issues with the IBA, the amendment of the Gratuity Act to increase the ceiling to ₹25 lakh (similar to the government employee scheme), and the exemption of gratuity payments from income tax.