Nationwide Strike by RRB Employees on February 12, 2026

Strike Announcement

Employees of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across the country will go on a one-day nationwide strike on February 12, 2026.

The strike has been called by the All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA) in coordination with ten central trade unions.

Banking operations at RRB branches are expected to be affected during the strike period.

Organisations Behind the Protest

AIRRBEA, the apex body representing employees of Regional Rural Banks, is leading the industrial action.

The association has extended its support to the broader nationwide protest being organised by central trade unions against recent labour reforms.

Reasons for the Nationwide Strike

The strike is being held to protest against proposed changes to labour laws and the implementation of new labour codes.

Employee unions have alleged that these changes dilute workers’ rights and weaken job security across the banking and financial services sector.

They have also expressed opposition to government policies which they describe as anti-worker and anti-people.

Key Demands of RRB Employees

The striking employees have placed several demands before the government, focusing on job security, public sector strength, and customer welfare.

Their primary demands include strengthening public sector banks and insurance companies.

They have also called for an immediate halt to privatisation and disinvestment in RRBs and other public sector banks.

Staffing, Service Rules and Job Security

Unions are demanding adequate recruitment to address staff shortages across Regional Rural Banks.

They have sought updates to service rules and promotion policies to ensure fair career progression.

Another key demand is the regularisation of outsourced, temporary, and casual workers.

Pension, Employment and Customer Issues

The employees have demanded the scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS) and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

They are also opposing fixed-term employment, which they believe undermines job stability.

In addition, unions have called for a reduction in bank service charges to protect customers, especially in rural areas.

Opposition to FDI in Insurance

Among the broader demands, the unions have sought a rollback of the recent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) limits in the insurance sector.

They argue that higher foreign participation could weaken public control over the financial system.

Official Notice to the Government

The strike follows a formal notice issued by AIRRBEA on January 28, 2026.

The notice was submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Financial Services, Government of India.

Through the notice, the association informed the government about the proposed industrial action and the unresolved demands of RRB employees.

Impact and Outlook

The one-day strike is expected to disrupt normal banking services at Regional Rural Banks across several states.

Employee unions have stated that further action may be considered if their demands are not addressed through dialogue.

The government is yet to issue an official response to the strike notice.