The strike by the employees of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) persisted for a second consecutive day on June 20. Workers are advocating for changes to the current bus operating model, seeking the abolition of the contract-based system in favour of regularised employment. Demonstrations erupted as the employees stood firm on their demands to restore job security for long-serving workers.

Grievances Expressed by Protestors

Protesters, including employee Praveen Shantaram Holmukhe, emphasised that their agitation transcends mere salary increases. Holmukhe stated that the protest is fundamentally against the use of buses under a wet lease contract, arguing that the instability created by contract vehicles contributes to operational issues and accidents. “Our protest is against buses on a wet lease contract. Make us permanent in BEST and scrap all contract vehicles,” he reiterated.

Holmukhe further underscored the challenges faced by employees, detailing that despite working extensive hours, the compensation remains inadequate. “We work for 16 hours but are paid just Rs 20,000. How will that help us sustain?” he questioned. The demonstrators made it clear that bus services would only resume once their demands are addressed.

Previous protests leading up to the current strike included a large gathering at the Dharavi depot. Employees expressed frustrations over salary hikes and unaddressed grievances, prompting heavy police deployment in the area to maintain order. Their concerns reflect ongoing issues within the organisation that have not been adequately resolved.

Concerns Raised by Union Leaders

Ranganath Satavase, a leader of the BEST Workers’ Union, brought attention to the financial difficulties facing both current employees and retirees. He highlighted that retirees have not received their payments since 2022, while those on the waiting list are not earning even the minimum wages required for subsistence. Satavase called for the administration and government to fulfill their obligations and support these workers.

Another significant concern raised by Satavase pertains to the proposed development of bus depots under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He questioned the long-term implications of this plan for the future of BEST. “The worry is troubling the workers,” he noted, as the arrangement may lead to uncertainty regarding the operational viability of BEST.

Satavase also reiterated the call for merging the BEST budget with the primary budget of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Such a merger is seen as crucial for ensuring the financial stability of the transport body, which would enable better support for its workers. The union remains determined to pursue this demand, as they continue to prepare for further action.

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