Aakash Yadav
IDBI Bank customers may face some disruption over the next two days. Employees of the bank have called for a two-day strike on 2 and 3 November 2026. While the bank has already issued a clear advisory, it helps to understand both the reason behind the agitation and what it actually means for everyday banking. Full details of the bank’s customer advisory, including confirmation that digital channels and ATMs will remain operational, are available in Mint’s report on the IDBI Bank strike of 2–3 November and its impact on account holders.
The strike has been called by the All India IDBI Officers’ Association and the All India Industrial Development Bank Employees’ Association.
Their main objection is the government’s decision to sell a little over 60 per cent stake in the bank to a Canadian firm, Fairfax Financial Holdings, for roughly ₹52,878 crore. The unions argue that IDBI Bank has been performing well and that majority government ownership should be retained. For a detailed look at the Cabinet-approved deal, the residual stakes of the government and LIC, and what the sale means for depositors, see our earlier analysis of the Fairfax acquisition of a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for ₹52,878 crore.
For customers, the practical picture is more straightforward. Branch operations are likely to be affected on both days, so any work that requires a physical visit — cheque deposits, large cash transactions, account opening, loan-related paperwork or locker operations — is best completed beforehand or postponed. At the same time, the bank has confirmed that digital channels will continue to function normally. You can still use the Go Mobile+ app, internet banking and UPI for transfers, bill payments and most routine transactions. ATMs will remain operational, and the bank has specifically said that cash withdrawals from non-IDBI ATMs will not attract any extra charges during these two days. Customer Service Points (CSPs) are also expected to stay open.
In short, if your banking needs are mostly digital, the strike should not create major inconvenience. If you were planning a branch visit, it is wiser to either finish it today or wait until Wednesday. The bank has already advised customers to complete important transactions early, which is sensible advice given the uncertainty that usually accompanies such protests.
The larger issue of the stake sale will continue to play out in the coming weeks. For now, though, the immediate concern for account holders is simply planning around the two strike days. Digital banking remains available, ATMs are working, and free access to other banks’ ATMs should cover most cash requirements. A little advance planning should be enough to sail through the next two days without much difficulty.
