Mumbai bus services hit by indefinite BEST workers strike

Public bus services in Mumbai were severely affected on Friday after employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking began an indefinite strike, as per reports. The sudden disruption left thousands of commuters struggling to reach their workplaces, schools, and other destinations during the morning rush hour.

The strike was called by the BEST Sanyukt Kamgar Kruti Samiti, a joint action committee representing 12 employee unions. Workers gathered at various BEST depots across the city and allegedly prevented buses from leaving. 

Only a limited number of buses were able to operate, reportedly causing major inconvenience to daily passengers. Many commuters were reportedly forced to look for alternative modes of transport, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, app based cab services, and the Mumbai Metro. 

Long queues were seen at railway stations and Metro stations as people searched for other ways to travel, as per reports. The strike especially affected office goers and students who depend on BEST buses every day.

The striking employees have raised several demands. They reportedly want the merger of BEST's budget with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations for the period from 2016 to 2026, and settlement of pending legal dues for retired employees. They also demand an end to contract-based employment in the transport and electricity departments.

The strike reportedly started despite an ad-interim order issued by an industrial court that restrained employees from going on strike. The Maharashtra government had also invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA), which prohibits disruption of essential public services. Mumbai Police have reportedly warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone who damages BEST property, blocks public transport services, or prevents willing employees from reporting for duty. 

BEST is Mumbai's second largest public transport provider after the suburban railway network and serves nearly 25 lakh passengers every day, the Shramik Utkarsh Sabha and the BEST Kamgar Union have reportedly distanced themselves from the strike and reportedly said discussions with the administration and the state government are continuing to find a solution to the worker’s grievances.