If you are planning to go to the bank for some important work on Thursday i.e. 12th February 2026, then this news is very important for you. There is confusion among bank customers whether banks will be open or closed on that day. Major bank unions of the country have called for a ‘nationwide strike’ on February 12. Although it is not technically a government holiday, it may impact your banking services.
A big government bank like Bank of Baroda has informed the stock exchange about the possibility of disruption in its functioning.
Let us understand what effect this strike will have on the common man and why the bank employees are angry.
Bank of Baroda warned, operations may come to a standstill
Even though the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not declared February 12 as an official holiday, the ground reality may be different. Bank of Baroda, a leading public sector bank, has made it clear in a note sent to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that due to the strike, there is every possibility of work being affected in its branches and offices.
“The bank is taking necessary steps for the smooth functioning of the branches, but if a strike occurs, the functioning may be impacted,” the bank said in its statement. This simply means that check clearance, cash deposits and other over the counter services may face delays.
Who is on strike and what are the demands?
The strike is being led by the three largest unions of the banking sector – All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA) and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI). These unions are joining the protest along with 10 central trade unions (CTUs).
The anger of bank employees is mainly regarding the new labor code of the government.
- Opposition to new labor laws: The unions are protesting against four new labor codes notified in November, which will replace the existing 29 labor laws. They allege that these rules are ‘anti-worker’ and impose stringent conditions for registration of trade unions.
- Work-Life Balance: Moreover, bank associations have been fighting for a long time demanding a five-day working week and better work-life balance.
What things are important for common people to keep in mind?
Since no major banks or the Reserve Bank of India have announced a holiday, technically banks will remain open. Its impact on the functioning of private banks may be less, but in government banks where these unions have a strong hold, services may be disrupted. Customers are advised to use digital services like net banking, mobile apps and ATMs instead of visiting the bank branch on February 12, to avoid any inconvenience.
