Several major banks have warned customers that branch and office services could be affected by planned nationwide bank strikes, with the first one-day strike scheduled for September 11.State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, UCO Bank and Bank of Maharashtra said they have made arrangements to keep their branches and offices operational during the proposed strikes. However, the lenders cautioned that services could be disrupted if employees participate in the walkouts.UCO Bank warns branches may face disruptionUCO Bank said on September 10 that the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which represents seven constituent unions and associations, had issued a strike notice over various demands.The bank said it had taken necessary measures to maintain continuity of operations. However, it added that the functioning of its branches and offices could be affected if employees join the proposed strike.— UFBUIndia (@UFBUIndia) PNB flags multiple strike datesPunjab National Bank (PNB) said the Indian Banks' Association had informed it about strike calls issued by the UFBU, the All India Bank Adhikari Sena Mahasangh (AIBASM) and the Bank Karmachari Sena Mahasangh (BKSM).According to the notices, the UFBU has called one-day strikes on September 11, September 28, September 29 and September 30, followed by an indefinite strike from October 26, 2026.AIBASM and BKSM have separately called strikes on September 28, 29 and 30, along with an indefinite strike beginning October 26.PNB said it was making arrangements to ensure smooth functioning of its branches and offices during the proposed strikes but warned that operations could still be affected if employees participate.Bank of Maharashtra issues September 11 warningBank of Maharashtra said seven trade unions, including AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF and INBOC, had proposed a one-day strike on September 11 over their demands.The lender said it was taking steps to keep its branches and offices functioning during the strike. However, it also cautioned that services could be affected if employees join the protest.State Bank of India and Union Bank of India had earlier issued similar warnings about the proposed industrial action.Why bank unions are planning strikesBank employee and officer unions are protesting over several issues, including the demand for a five-day banking week and opposition to the revised performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.The UFBU, an umbrella organisation representing major bank employee and officer unions, has called a nationwide strike on September 11. A three-day strike is scheduled from September 28 to 30, while the unions have threatened an indefinite strike from October 26 if their demands are not resolved.Government puts PLI scheme on holdOne of the unions’ key concerns has already seen a change from the government.The Centre has put on hold the implementation of the performance-linked incentive scheme for public-sector bank employees for 2025-26 after employees sought changes to its structure.The decision followed a meeting between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and a delegation of public-sector bank employees led by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.The employees raised issues including changes to the incentive scheme, ex-gratia payments and healthcare benefits for retired bank staff, according to the finance ministry.Following the meeting, the government decided not to implement the PLI scheme issued on November 19, 2024, for the current financial year. The issue will instead be considered as part of negotiations for a new bipartite settlement and joint note.While the decision addresses one of the unions’ concerns, the other demands remain part of ongoing negotiations.State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, has also received a strike notice from the UFBU, the apex coordinating body of major bank employee and officer unions.