Mumbai's public bus services were severely affected on Thursday as thousands of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) employees went on an indefinite strike, demanding wage revision and better pension benefits. The strike, called by the BEST Workers' Union, led to the suspension of bus operations across the city, leaving millions of commuters stranded.
Key Demands of the Striking Employees
The employees are protesting against the delay in implementing the wage revision agreement, which was supposed to be effective from 2020. Their primary demands include:
- Immediate implementation of the revised wage structure.
- Increase in dearness allowance and house rent allowance.
- Better pension benefits for retired employees.
- Regularization of temporary workers.
Impact on Commuters
The strike brought Mumbai's bus network to a grinding halt, with only a few private buses and autorickshaws operating. Long queues were seen at railway stations and taxi stands as commuters scrambled for alternative transport. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged the union to call off the strike and resume negotiations.
Government Response
Maharashtra Transport Minister Anil Parab stated that the government is committed to resolving the issue and has called for a meeting with union leaders. He assured that the demands would be considered sympathetically, but warned that the strike is illegal as it violates the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
The BEST administration has deployed additional buses from depots that are not on strike, but the number is insufficient to meet the demand. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative modes of transport.
