MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) union leader Nitin Nandgaonkar on Friday stated that the ongoing BEST workers' agitation reflects growing unity among employees, blaming the undertaking and the government for the crisis. “BEST failed to initiate dialogue and instead approached the court. As per directives, they should have invited us for discussions. The contempt lies with BEST,” he said.
Allegations of Exploitation
Nandgaonkar alleged that employees are facing exploitation, with no new recruitment, stalled promotions, and a sharp decline in the bus fleet. “Retired staff are yet to receive gratuity, and contractual workers, including drivers, are denied equal pay for equal work,” he added, demanding their absorption into full-time service.
Opposition to Privatisation
He strongly opposed wet lease models and privatisation, calling it a “conspiracy to end BEST”. Urging government intervention, he said the strike was a “last-ditch attempt” to highlight workers’ demands.
“Commuter inconvenience is unfortunate, but BEST must take responsibility and begin talks immediately,” he said.
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About the Author: Somit Sen, Senior Editor at The Times of India, Mumbai. He covers stories on Power beat in Maharashtra and on Oil & Gas. He also covers RTO, BEST (Mumbai’s public transport buses), transport ministry, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, interstate transport (trucks/tempos), and the fleetcabs.
