The State Bank of India (SBI) has deferred the two-day nationwide strike scheduled for May 25 and 26 following talks between the bank’s management and the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF). The decision ensures that branches across the country will operate normally during the period.
The strike was originally called by AISBISF over a 16-point charter of demands. These included recruitment of messengers and armed guards, adequate staffing across branches, an end to the outsourcing of permanent jobs, a review of career progression schemes, improved medical reimbursements, and resolution of HRMS-related concerns. Union representatives had also raised issues around declining clerical recruitment, rising workloads, delays in inter-circle transfers, and pension matters.
In an advisory to customers, SBI confirmed the deferral. “This is to advise our esteemed customers that the proposed strike by the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) on 25th and 26th May 2026 has been deferred. All our branches will function normally and provide all regular banking services,” the country’s largest lender said.
The federation, in a separate statement, said it appreciated the “constructive approach” adopted by SBI management during the discussions and expressed confidence that the understandings reached would help resolve the issues raised.
“Accordingly, the agitational programmes announced by the Federation, including the proposed All India Strike scheduled for 25th & 26th May 2026, stand deferred,” the federation said in its letter.
In a letter to Members of Parliament earlier in May, AISBISF had alleged that unresolved grievances and the breakdown of discussions with management had compelled employees to consider agitational programmes. The federation said the bilateral mechanism was being undermined, leading to growing unrest among employees.
The two sides have not disclosed the full text of the understandings reached during the Mumbai talks. SBI ended FY26 with a network of over 22,500 branches and a workforce of roughly 2.36 lakh employees. The federation has indicated it will continue to monitor implementation of the agreed measures before deciding on its next course of action.
