BEST Union withdraws protest temporarily; Provides an ultimatum to fulfill demands

In a relief for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), the BEST Workers' Union has called off their strike temporarily, owing to the positive attitude displayed by the Corporation authorities towards their demands. The development comes after the second meeting for Higher Pay Grade for BEST employees held on August 6, Tuesday was successful.

Accordingly, the Union has stated that the strike has been put on a hold till August 20. However, if it is indicated that the demands aren't being met, the union would stage a voluntary protest August 20 onwards.

What are their demands?

• Immediate implementation of the resolution to merge BEST Corporation's 'C' budget with BMC's 'A' budget
• Employees appointed after April 2007 should get 10 point hike in salaries and wages
• Higher grade pay of ₹7,930 for around 14,000 junior grade employees appointed between 2007 to 2016.
• Pay the bonus from FY 2016/17 to FY 2017/18 similar to BMC employees 
• The staff service accommodation question should be resolved promptly
• Begin Compassionate Ground Appointment on an immediate basis

Earlier, the BEST employees had called for a strike in January after the bus corporation had turned a deaf ear towards their demands. However, as the employees went on a strike for nine days, the bus company was left stranded and after which, only upon Bombay High Court's intervention, the protest was called off.

Also Read: BEST To Now Run Special Buses For Women

It was decided that the employees' demand will be heard as the Corporation will hold a meeting for the same in June. However, BEST Corporation allegedly failed to interact with the employees, and thus, the Union decided to protest August 6 onwards against the bus company's passive attitude. But now the strike has been temporarily called off.

Meanwhile, Union leader Shashank Rao stated that after a positive response from the corporation, the strike will not be initiated as of now. He added that the BEST Corporation has assured of discussions on five days between August 9 and 19. Therefore, if the issue isn't resolved by August 19, the employees will resort to protest.